Police Close Road to Puncak Pass Amid Heavy Traffic Congestion
Jakarta. Police closed the main access road to Puncak Pass in Cipanas, West Java, on Monday evening (25/12) as peak holiday traffic caused congestion stretching back several kilometers.
"We've been trapped here for an hour; we aren't moving and the congestion might stretch all the way back to the Cugenang area [15 kilometers from Cipanas]," said Deden Abdul Aziz, a driver traveling to Puncak Pass from Cianjur, as reported by state-run news agency Antara.
Deden added that queues continued to lengthen until late afternoon, with vehicles only moving a few dozen meters after being completely stationary for up to 10 minutes at a time.
"Going to Cipanas usually takes 15 minutes, but now it's been an hour and I'm still in the Ciherang area [8 kilometers from Cipanas]," he said.
Police took several actions in response to the traffic influx, including the closure of some routes in an attempt to improve traffic flow.
"By late afternoon, the number of vehicles heading to Puncak Pass increased sharply, which prompted us to implement some measures, including forcing drivers to divert to alternative routes," Cianjur Police chief Adjutant Chief Comr. Soliyah said.
"Currently, we're coordinating with the Bogor Police regarding the implementation of a one-way system from Cianjur, because the congestion is starting to get worse," he added.
Police expect traffic conditions to persist until the end of the New Year celebrations.
Puncak Pass is a favorite holiday destination for Jakarta residents.
Tags: Keywords: