TULUNGAGUNG – Authorities in Tulungagung have officially closed Gondang 1 Bridge starting Thursday, forcing traffic officers and local agencies to tighten controls on alternative routes across the region.
The closure has triggered major traffic adjustments between Tulungagung and Trenggalek. Officials now prohibit heavy vehicles, including buses and trucks, from using smaller village roads during the five-month bridge replacement project.
Tulungagung Public Works Agency official Beny Arieasandi said authorities had intensified coordination with traffic police, the transportation agency, and project contractors before the closure began.
“Our teams have surveyed several congestion-prone locations together with transportation officers, police, and project executors so we can anticipate traffic problems early,” Beny said on Wednesday.
Officials have also installed additional traffic signs along diversion routes to help drivers avoid confusion. Joint monitoring teams continue checking strategic intersections and potential bottleneck areas.
Under the new traffic arrangement, all heavy vehicles must stay on the designated main diversion route. Drivers traveling from Tulungagung toward Trenggalek must pass through Tamanan intersection, Boyolangu, Campurdarat, Bandung, and Durenan Market.
Authorities strictly banned trucks, buses, and six-wheel vehicles from entering narrow alternative roads outside the official diversion scheme. Officials warned that large vehicles could trigger severe congestion and damage roads not designed for heavy traffic loads.
Beny urged drivers to follow the official route during the bridge replacement project. He also warned that police officers would immediately take action against violators.
“If drivers force their vehicles onto unofficial alternative roads, authorities and police will take firm action,” he said.
Traffic police have deployed officers across major intersections along the diversion corridor. Officers from local police sectors near the affected areas will also assist with traffic control and public safety.
Tulungagung Traffic Police officer Iptu Ahmad Zainudin said authorities had already informed public transportation operators and cargo transport companies about the bridge closure and traffic engineering plan.
“We invited all public transport and freight transport operators, including terminal managers, so there should be no reason for drivers not to know about the changes,” Zainudin said.
Police also urged residents and motorists to monitor official traffic updates through social media, local news outlets, and other information channels. Drivers must obey road signs and follow diversion instructions to reduce congestion risks.
According to authorities, the Gondang 1 Bridge replacement forms part of a national infrastructure improvement program. The project aims to improve road connectivity and transportation safety in the region.
Officials expect the construction work to continue for around five months. During that period, authorities asked residents to remain patient and support the traffic arrangements introduced during the project.
“This is part of a national development agenda for public benefit. We hope the community can support the process and maintain tolerance during the project,” Zainudin added.