We expect that the operation of the Pekanbaru - Bangkinang and Bengkulu - Taba Penanjung sections will significantly facilitate the travelers.Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-run construction company and toll road business entity (BUJT) PT Hutama Karya (HK) will operate two sections of the Trans Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS) amid the 2022 Eid al-Fitr exodus period.
Director of Operations III of the corporation Koentjoro stated that the two toll road sections will be opened to optimize services provided to travelers.
"In accordance with the directives of the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry to support the homecoming and returning traffic flow of the 2022 Eid al-Fitr, we will open two new sections on the JTTS, specifically, the Pekanbaru - Bangkinang and Bengkulu - Taba Penanjung sections," he noted in a statement on Monday.
However, only 31 kilometers (km) of the Pekanbaru - Bangkinang highway section will be opened during the exodus period, precisely along the Pekanbaru - Pangkalan segment.
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Meanwhile, along the Bengkulu - Taba Penanjung section, only Lubuk Linggau - Curup - Bengkulu segment will be operated. The segment has a length of 17.6 km.
Earlier, a Functional Feasibility Test (ULF) was conducted on April 13-14, 2022, at the Bengkulu - Taba Penanjung section.
In addition, a direct review was conducted by a Project Management Office (PMO) consultant for the Pekanbaru - Bangkinang section.
The director stated that his side also continued to coordinate with the Indonesian Toll Road Authority (BPJT), Directorate General of Highways (Bina Marga) of the PUPR Ministry, National Road Implementation Center (BBPJN), Traffic Corps of the Indonesian National Police (Korlantas), as well as other related agencies.
“We expect that the operation of the Pekanbaru - Bangkinang and Bengkulu - Taba Penanjung sections will significantly facilitate the travelers," he remarked.
The two sections will be opened starting on the D-7 (April 26, 2022) until the D+7 (May 9, 2022) of the 2022 Eid al-Fitr.
Related news: Ministry asks people to prioritize traffic safety during Eid travel
The operating hours of the Pekanbaru - Bangkinang section will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB), while the Bengkulu - Taba Penanjung section will be opened from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WIB.
Both sections can only be used by small (Category I) vehicles. Furthermore, a one-way scheme will be implemented at the sections.
HK appealed to all road users to carry their electronic card to pass through the toll gate since one card can only be used for one vehicle. Although the sections have not applied any tariffs, the travelers still have to tap the card to be able to enter the sections.
In addition, the enterprise urges road users to maintain the maximum speed of the running vehicles at 60 kilometers per hour, check the condition of the vehicle before departing, as well as ensure the health and condition of the drivers.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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