Ogan Komering Ilir, KOTABARI.COM – The collapse and erosion of a bridge located in Desa Terusan Laut, Sirah Pulau District (SP), Padang Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), have prompted the diversion of traffic, especially for heavy goods transportation and vehicles.
In response to this issue, Head of the OKI Transportation Department, Dr. Drs. M. Iqbal, through the Secretary, Dodi Aristanto, stated on Wednesday (27/3/2024) that they, along with the traffic police (Satlantas) of OKI, had directly visited the site.
“We have visited the location, and indeed, the condition of the bridge is very concerning. The embankment supporting the bridge has been completely eroded by the river’s water,” he said.
He further added that if heavy vehicles attempt to pass, it would add stress and the bridge might not be able to withstand it, potentially leading to its collapse in the near future.
“After the inspection, we will immediately follow up by installing warning signs for drivers of heavy-loaded vehicles to avoid passing through that road,” he stated.
The site, located approximately 17 kilometers from Desa Celikah, Kayuagung District, was evaluated to have insufficient warning signs. Despite this, large vehicles were observed attempting to pass through the location.
Based on joint monitoring with the OKI Police Traffic Unit, stronger warnings will be issued by deploying several officers at the Desa Celikah intersection.
“So, if there are large trucks attempting to pass, there will be officers to stop them. However, we won’t prevent them entirely as the distance from the origin to the bridge location is 17 kilometers,” he explained.
If the driver does not intend to cross the bridge location, they are still allowed to pass. However, if they must cross the damaged bridge, they will be asked to turn around and take an alternative route.
Meanwhile, Head of the OKI Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (PUPR), Man Winardi, through the Secretary, Ahmad Sulaiman, stated that they have already requested the transportation department to temporarily close the bridge for large vehicles and redirect traffic to other roads.
“Private vehicles and motorcycles are still permitted to cross. The closure will last for approximately 2 months during the tender process. We will conduct repairs using the OKI PUPR department’s budget. Alternatively, we will seek alternative funding,” he clarified.
Starting today, the closure will be implemented to prevent accidents or further deterioration. The erosion, caused by swift river currents with a depth of up to 4 meters, will be addressed by reinforcing the structure with soil-retaining pile caps.
“The repair system will involve soil-retaining pile caps to ensure a more durable and long-lasting construction,” he concluded.