TULUNGAGUNG – Tulungagung road repairs have officially begun after months of public complaints over damaged streets in the city center. Authorities have started fixing several critical points, including a busy stretch of Jalan MT Haryono in Bago subdistrict.

The repairs focus on the section between the Al Muslimun Mosque intersection and the Nggoling Bus intersection in Tulungagung district. For years, deep potholes along this route have endangered motorists, particularly motorbike riders.

Heavy machinery and road workers are now operating on-site. They are patching severely damaged asphalt that previously caused frequent tire blowouts and traffic accidents.

Sugeng, a nearby resident, said the road condition had become alarming before the repairs began. He noted that many riders fell or suffered flat tires after hitting large potholes.

“People passing through here often had their tires burst because of the holes. It happened repeatedly,” he said at the location.

The MT Haryono corridor serves as a key connector between neighborhoods in central Tulungagung. Consequently, traffic volume surges during morning and evening rush hours, especially when workers and students commute.

Because of this constant flow, the road surface deteriorated quickly. Motorcycles, private cars, and heavy vehicles use the route daily, placing additional strain on the asphalt.

Another resident, Mandri, welcomed the repair work. He expressed hope that safer road conditions would reduce the risk of accidents.

“We are grateful for the repairs. At least people can travel more safely and avoid unwanted incidents,” he said.

However, Mandri also raised concerns about construction durability. According to him, previous repairs in several spots did not last long before the road surface collapsed again.

He pointed to heavy-duty trucks as one of the main causes of recurring damage. In his view, overloaded vehicles accelerate asphalt deterioration, particularly if construction quality remains inconsistent.

Residents now urge authorities to go beyond temporary patchwork fixes. They are calling for stronger road construction standards and stricter supervision of high-tonnage vehicles to extend the lifespan of the asphalt.

With Tulungagung road repairs now underway, many residents hope the city will finally resolve the long-standing pothole problem. Improved road infrastructure, they say, will not only enhance safety but also support smoother mobility and local economic activity.