Cicangor Karawang Ambles Bridge, West Java Provincial Government Builds Alternative Bailey Bridge

The condition of the collapsed Cicangor bridge cannot be passed by vehicles. (ANTARA/Personal document/am.)

The Department of Highways and Spatial Planning (DBMPR) of West Java Province is currently preparing to build a pre-fabricated steel frame bridge (bailey) as an alternative due to the breakdown of the Cicangor Bridge, Karawang by the overflow of the Cibeet River, Monday (3/3) night.

Head of West Java DBMPR Bambang Tirtoyuliono said this was also done to apply West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi's instructions for immediate action so that the Badami-Loji road traffic route connecting Karawang-Bogor is reconnected.

"The Cicangor Bridge collapsed due to flooding. We have identified all of them. Then we are taking preparatory steps. For example, the water recedes, we will immediately enter (building the bailey bridge). Hopefully soon," said Bambang, Tuesday, March 4.

The length of the Cicangor Bridge is about 65 meters wide, 7 meters wide and is the main access for the community that must be immediately provided with alternatives, while being rebuilt.

"If there is no long-distance bridge and turns. Hopefully this temporary emergency bridge can be installed immediately," he said.

The construction of the bailey bridge, he said, if the weather supports it will take a maximum of one month, because there must be a retaining construction in the middle of the river in the form of a pole.

"We will optimize it so that it can be completed immediately and while we are also preparing for permanent handling," he said.

The Cicangor Bridge that crossed the Cibeet River in Tamansari Village, Pangkalan District, Karawang Regency collapsed so that vehicles could not pass, Monday (3/2/2025) at 22.15 WIB.

The function of the bridge is very vital as a liaison between the Karawang area and Bekasi, Bogor, and Cianjur regencies through alternative routes.

From the testimony of a number of eyewitnesses, the bridge body decreased little by little. It is suspected that this happened because the bridge's legs were eroded by the swift water of the Cibeet River.

As a result of this condition, local residents forbade heavy vehicles to cross the bridge. However, because the bridge surface continues to decline, all vehicles are not allowed to pass, including pedestrians.

Police officers and TNI put up barriers on both bridge faces so that no vehicle breaks through. This was done to avoid unwanted incidents.