Police Implement Open Close At Three Points Of Lembah Anai Street, West Sumatra

The West Sumatra Regional Police (Polda) will implement an open and close system on Jalan Lembah Anai, Tanah Datar, when the Sumatra highway is reopened to the public starting Sunday, July 21, 2024.

West Sumatra Police Traffic Director, Police Commissioner Dwi Nur Setiawan, said the decision to implement the open and close system was taken after seeing the trial opening of the Anai Valley route on Thursday, July 18.

"Based on our evaluation during the trial opening of yesterday's lane, the open and close system will be implemented in Lembah Anai," he said in Padang, Friday, July 19, which was confiscated by Antara.

He said, at least three points of application were open and closed along Jalan Lembah Anai, which is a Sumatra highway.

"Open and close is enforced because at three points only one lane can be used so that there is no accumulation of vehicle flow and severe traffic jams. Moreover, traffic flow is also opened for large vehicles loaded," he said.

He said the open and close system on the connecting road between Padang City and Bukittinggi would be escorted by personnel from the local resort police.

Dwi said that with this implementation, motorists were asked to refrain and not force themselves to break through the current to maintain safety and maintain smooth traffic.

The West Sumatra Police will oversee the opening of the Anai Valley route to the maximum so that transportation in the local area is reconnected.

"We are trying to support the wheels of the economy to move again as expected from the local government and our common hope, because this area is the main buffer for transportation in West Sumatra," he explained.

On the other hand, the West Sumatra Police believe the opening of the route in the Anai Valley will automatically reduce the burden in the Sitinjau Lauik and Malalak areas which are alternative routes since the Anai Valley road broke completely.

The Anai Valley Line was completely cut off due to severe damage after being hit by a flash flood on May 12, 2024.

The closure had to be carried out because the road was damaged, as well as giving time for relevant agencies to carry out repairs.