TULUNGAGUNG – The planned closure of Gondang 1 Bridge in Tulungagung has sparked concerns over possible road damage on several alternative routes. Local authorities expect traffic volume to rise sharply once the bridge shuts down for reconstruction later this month.

The bridge in Gondang District will close completely from May 29 until the end of November 2026. The East Java-Bali National Road Agency will carry out the bridge replacement project during the six-month period.

The closure will disrupt traffic between Tulungagung and Trenggalek. Thousands of motorists will need to use village roads and southern routes while construction continues.

Acting Tulungagung Regent Ahmad Baharudin said the regional government had started preparing preventive measures. Officials want to reduce the impact of heavier traffic on local roads.

“Because Gondang Bridge will close, residents will need to use other roads,” Baharudin said on Monday.

According to him, several village roads could face extra pressure once they become diversion routes. Many of the roads normally handle light traffic. However, they will soon carry larger numbers of cars, trucks, and public transportation vehicles.

Baharudin warned that continuous traffic could slowly damage road surfaces. Heavy vehicles may also worsen road conditions during the project period.

He stressed that the Tulungagung administration would take responsibility if road damage occurred during the traffic diversion.

“If road damage happens later, the government will repair it,” he said.

Several roads in Desa Pelem, Campurdarat District, are expected to become important alternative routes. Workers recently upgraded some of these roads through the Regional Roads Presidential Instruction (IJD) program.

Even so, officials believe the roads may still experience deterioration because of the sudden increase in traffic intensity. Authorities continue to monitor road conditions before the bridge closure begins.

The Tulungagung government is also coordinating with the local traffic police to prepare traffic management plans. Officials are discussing road signs, diversion systems, and public information campaigns to help drivers adjust to the new routes.

Authorities hope the preparations will reduce congestion and improve road safety during construction. They also want to minimize disruption to daily transportation and economic activity in the region.

The Gondang Bridge replacement project aims to strengthen transportation infrastructure in southern Tulungagung. Despite the expected challenges, officials believe the project will improve connectivity and traffic flow in the long term.