After a 10-year delay, Bali provincial administration plans to conduct a feasibility study on building a fly-over pass connecting several strategic holiday destinations in Bali.
IGN Sura Adnyana, head of the Bali Public Works Office, said that the construction of fly-over roads was key to curbing traffic congestion in the Kuta area, which connects Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Denpasar.
"We have been planning to construct fly-over roads for 10 years as traffic problems are becoming increasingly serious."
Many community and religious leaders had strongly opposed the planned construction of fly-over roads amid concerns it would affect the sanctity of Bali, as the overpass roads might pass a number of holy sites, including Hindu temples.
In the last 10 years, Bali has seen a rapid population growth and a high increase in the number of vehicles, while the majority of public infrastructures, including roads, have remained unchanged.
According to data from the Bali Police, Bali records an additional 2,000 cars and 5,000 motorcycles every month.
Bali provincial administration had offered three solutions to deal with lingering traffic problems.
The first alternative was to extend the width of the outer-ring road.
The second alternative was to construct an underpass and the third was to construct fly-over roads.
"The construction of fly-over roads may cost Rp 300 billion, which would be provided by the Public Works Ministry and the provincial administration once all elements of the communities in Bali had agreed to the plan," Adnyana said.
Hindu High Priest Ida Pedanda Made Gunung commented he would not say "yes" or "no" to the government's plan regarding the construction of fly-over roads.
"I just want to ask whether *the construction of fly-over* is the best way to ease traffic congestion in Bali's streets?"
The construction of fly-over roads was just a short-term solution to deal with burgeoning traffic problems, he said.
"There should be a long-term solution including regulation on the number of vehicles allowed to operate in Bali and other supporting regulations that correspond with the island's natural and religious conditions."
Wayan Suwena, deputy head of Bali traditional villages, was also reluctant to comment on the planned project.
"We will meet with all stakeholders within the Balinese traditional community to further discuss the issue," he said.
Dasi Astawa, an economist from the National Education University in Denpasar, urged the provincial administration to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study to gain real assessments on social, technical and economical impacts.
Legislator IGM Suryantha Putra stated that the Bali Legislative Council would likely support the plan provided that it did not cause environmental damage to the island.
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