DistantNews
Support us
Emergency bridge in West Sumatra reopens, restoring vital access for thousands
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

Emergency bridge in West Sumatra reopens, restoring vital access for thousands

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A temporary bridge over the Batang Anai River in Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, has reopened, restoring access for thousands of residents.
  • The emergency bridge was completed two days ahead of schedule, facilitating the movement of over 2,000 vehicles daily.
  • A permanent 140-meter bridge, costing approximately Rp45.2 billion, is slated for construction starting in 2026.

Mobility in Nagari Anduriang, Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, is returning to normal following the reopening of a temporary bridge over the Batang Anai River. This development brings relief to thousands of residents who were cut off after the main connecting route was severed.

The emergency bridge's swift completion, achieved two days ahead of schedule through collaboration between local government, the National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), TNI, Polri, and other stakeholders, has been a significant boost. While currently allowing passage for pedestrians, motorcycles, and three-wheeled vehicles, it is a crucial step towards restoring daily life.

We are truly grateful this bridge could be opened sooner. Now children can go to school and we can go to work without having to take long detours. Hopefully, the construction of the permanent bridge will begin soon.

— RinoA local resident expressing gratitude for the temporary bridge's reopening and hope for the permanent structure.

This temporary access is vital, serving over 2,000 vehicles and approximately 40,000 residents daily in the Kayu Tanam sub-district. "We are truly grateful this bridge could be opened sooner. Now children can go to school and we can go to work without having to take long detours," said local resident Rino.

A permanent solution is in the works, with the Ministry of Public Works planning a 140-meter bridge. This new structure, featuring two 70-meter spans and a width of six meters, will be built with a steel frame at an estimated cost of Rp45.2 billion from the state budget. Construction is targeted to begin in 2026, aiming to enhance connectivity and infrastructure resilience against future hydrometeorological disasters.

We hope for the support of all parties to work together to accelerate rehabilitation and reconstruction.

— Muhammad Tito KarnavianThe Head of the West Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog