TULUNGAGUNG – The Gondang 1 Bridge reconstruction in Tulungagung has entered a new phase, prompting local water utility officials to relocate a major transmission pipeline while authorities continue monitoring traffic conditions on alternative routes.
The bridge, located on the national road connecting Tulungagung and Trenggalek, has been closed since June 2 for demolition and reconstruction work. As construction progresses, officials must also adjust utility infrastructure near the project site.
Perumdam Tirta Cahya Agung Tulungagung confirmed that a primary water transmission pipeline near the bridge must be moved to prevent interference with the new structure. The utility plans to move the pipeline about two meters away from the construction zone.
Sasongko Edi, Head of Customer Services at the regional water company, said preparations for the relocation are already underway. The company has secured the necessary materials and completed initial technical planning.
“Relevant agencies have agreed on the process. Pipes and supporting accessories are ready. We are now finalizing the technical aspects of the work,” he said.
Despite those preparations, workers cannot begin the relocation immediately. The utility must wait until the newly poured bridge structure reaches sufficient strength. According to Sasongko, the concrete requires around one month to cure before crews can safely move the pipeline.
“After the concrete curing process is complete, we can proceed with relocating the water pipeline,” he explained.
Officials expect the work to cause only limited disruption to water services. Heavy equipment will help accelerate the process, reducing the relocation period to an estimated one or two days.
The affected pipeline serves a large portion of customers in Gondang District. Perumdam estimates that around 900 customers could experience temporary service interruptions during the relocation.
To reduce the impact, the utility has prepared emergency water supplies. Two water tank trucks with a combined capacity of approximately 8,000 liters will remain on standby throughout the operation.
“We have prepared two clean-water tankers to assist customers during the relocation process,” Sasongko said.
The company also plans to coordinate with village administrations to ensure residents receive clear information regarding service schedules and temporary disruptions.
Meanwhile, traffic conditions around the bridge closure remain manageable despite increased vehicle volumes on alternative routes.
Police evaluations conducted during the first week of the closure found no significant traffic congestion. However, officers recorded heavier traffic during peak commuting hours.
According to First Inspector Ahmad Zainudin, Deputy Traffic Unit Operations Officer at the Tulungagung Police, vehicle volumes typically increase between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. as workers and students travel to offices and schools.
Traffic density rises again between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. when commuters return home. Even during those periods, vehicles continue moving without major delays.
“There is no traffic jam. Traffic only becomes denser during certain hours,” Ahmad said.
Authorities continue monitoring several key locations, including the Cabe intersection, the area in front of the Gondang District Office, and stretches of Jalan Raya Mojoarum. Narrow road sections require drivers to slow down, particularly when large trucks enter the route.
Officials said the main concern now is not congestion but damage to village roads and drainage systems. Residents have complained about heavy vehicles using alternative routes that were not designed for high-tonnage traffic.
The Tulungagung Police and related agencies plan further evaluations of the temporary traffic management system. They hope the measures will minimize disruption to residents while protecting alternative roads during the Gondang 1 Bridge reconstruction project.