Idul Fitri's coming, but Tangerang-Merak turnpike repair yet to finish

Multa Fidrus ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Tangerang   |  Wed, 09/24/2008 4:24 PM  |  Jakarta

Tangerang-Merak turnpike operator PT Marga Mandala Sakti (MMS) i yet to finish repair work to a badly damaged section of the toll road, despite the Idul Fitri holidays approaching.

Banten Transportation Agency head Harry Parwanto said he sent a letter to the turnpike's operator last week asking for the repairs to be completed a week before Idul Fitri.

"Holidaymakers usually leave town a week before Idul Fitri, so the toll road operator should have finished the repairs by then, he said Wednesday.

Adjis Ariwibowo, PT MMS's operational division manager, said the company had made a concerted effort to give the best service for smooth traffic, security and comfort to turnpike users.

"As repairs are still underway, our maintenance team is working 24 hours in anticipation of possible emergency needs to repair sudden damaged sections along the turnpike," he said.

He said the repairs were expected to be completed a week before Idul Fitri and that there would no repair work signs on the road sides that can disturb the traffic starting seven days before until seven days after Idul Fitri.

The exodus of Idul Fitri holidaymakers is expected to peak a week before and after the holiday, which falls on Oct. 1 and 2.

More than 75,000 vehicles used the turnpike during the exodus period last year, with the number expected to increase by up to 10 percent this year. (dre)

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