The Ministry of PU Emphasizes that the Enang-enang Bridge is Not Closed, but is Strengthened for the Safety of the Community

LOMBOK - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has confirmed that the Enang-enang Bridge in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, is not closed, but is taking steps to strengthen the structure so that it remains safe for limited use.

Minister PU Dody Hanggodo said that the results of the technical examination showed that the foundation of the bridge from Bireuen to Bener Meriah had a slope due to the flow of the river. This condition has been handled with temporary supports, and currently the PU Ministry is immediately improving the handling through strengthening the structure of the bridge.

"I have spoken to the Head of the Office and the Director of the Bridge. We will make the reinforcement under the bridge even stronger. What is there now is temporary. Later PT PP will work on the reinforcement with better handling," said Minister Dody, Saturday, July 11.

Minister Dody emphasized that the strengthening of the bridge does not mean closing access. As long as the condition is declared safe based on the results of technical monitoring, the public can still use the bridge with restrictions on vehicle types in order to maintain safety together.

The strengthening of the bridge's lower structure was carried out by the Aceh National Road Implementation Office (BPJN) together with the Bridge Development Directorate with the construction contractor PT Pembangunan Perumahan (Persero) Tbk.

The handling is aimed at improving the stability of the foundation so that the bridge remains safe to use during the transition period to permanent handling.

To ensure safety, Minister Dody also instructed the Commitment Maker Officer (PPK) together with BPJN Aceh to monitor the routine of the bridge, especially when heavy rains occur which have the potential to increase the slippage around the foundation.

"I ask the PPK to conduct routine checks. If at any time it is judged to endanger the community, the use of the bridge must be temporarily stopped until the conditions are safe again. Repairs will continue from the bottom so that the community can still cross safely as long as possible," said Minister Dody.

During the strengthening process, the Enang-enang Bridge will continue to be used in a limited manner for two-wheeled vehicles and light passenger vehicles.

Meanwhile, freight vehicles and heavy-tonnage vehicles are still prohibited from passing to reduce the load on the bridge structure.

As a solution, the PU Ministry also accelerated the improvement of regional connectivity through the widening of Jalan Werlah and the construction of two new bridges on alternative routes.

In addition, the government is preparing the construction of a shortcut bridge in the Enang - Enang area which will later be able to serve logistics vehicles up to around 30 tons so that community mobility and goods distribution become safer and more efficient. [ADV]