TULUNGAGUNG – Gondang I Bridge closure is not expected to disrupt public services in Tulungagung, according to local government officials. Although the bridge shutdown has forced traffic onto alternative routes, authorities believe government operations can continue without major obstacles.
Officials began the full closure of Gondang I Bridge on June 2 as part of a major reconstruction project. The bridge serves as a key transportation link between Tulungagung and Trenggalek. However, engineers recently identified serious structural issues, prompting authorities to replace the bridge entirely.
The closure has redirected vehicles to several alternative routes. As a result, travel times have increased for commuters, government employees, and residents who regularly use the corridor.
Acting Tulungagung Regent Ahmad Baharudin acknowledged that motorists now face longer journeys. Nevertheless, he said the additional travel time has not affected government services or the daily activities of regional agencies.
“There is certainly an impact because the route is now longer than usual. However, we can still anticipate the situation, and it has not disrupted government services,” Baharudin said.
According to him, all regional government offices have received information about the traffic diversion plan. Therefore, public employees can adjust their schedules and continue serving residents without significant delays.
Local authorities have also encouraged residents to plan their trips more carefully during the reconstruction period. Officials believe that simple adjustments in departure times can help reduce inconvenience and maintain normal daily routines.
Baharudin admitted that the administration has not yet calculated the exact increase in travel distance caused by the closure. Even so, he expects motorists to experience longer routes because they must follow the alternative corridors established by traffic police and transportation authorities.
“If you ask how many extra kilometers people must travel, I have not measured it in detail yet. We can calculate that together later,” he joked.
Despite the temporary inconvenience, the acting regent urged residents not to panic. He emphasized that authorities approved the bridge replacement project to improve public safety and prevent future risks associated with the aging structure.
Government officials consider the reconstruction essential because technical assessments showed that the bridge required comprehensive repairs. Rather than continue operating a deteriorating structure, authorities chose to rebuild the bridge from the ground up.
Baharudin also called on residents to cooperate with traffic officers and follow all road regulations during the construction period. He stressed that the temporary traffic arrangements support both public safety and the successful completion of the project.
“We hope the public can adapt to the alternative routes that have been prepared. The journey may take a little longer, but these measures support construction progress and protect everyone’s safety,” he said.
Authorities expect the reconstruction project to improve transportation infrastructure while ensuring safer travel between Tulungagung and Trenggalek for decades to come.