Contoured Roads on Semarang-Solo Toll Require Caution, Here's Why
SEMARANG - In preparation for the 2026 Lebaran homecoming period, several points along the Semarang-Solo Toll Road have been identified as locations requiring careful attention from holiday travellers.
The Managing Director of PT Transmarga Jateng (TMJ), Prajudi, stated that congestion is likely to occur at certain locations with particular characteristics, such as rest areas and sections with hilly terrain featuring rises and descents.
“For the Semarang-Solo stretch, the critical points are similar to other toll sections—particularly at rest areas. Additionally, because the terrain has both uphill and downhill gradients, these inclined and declining areas warrant special attention from us,” Prajudi told the Trans-Jawa 2026 team at Banyumanik Toll Gate on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
He explained that on uphill sections, vehicle deceleration frequently occurs, which can trigger queueing. Similarly, rest areas have the potential to cause congestion if vehicles form queues trying to enter.
“For the rest areas themselves, we have already made preparations by deploying staff at the entrance points. So when queues form entering the main road, we will implement closure measures at the rest area,” he said.
Prajudi stated that the toll operator has prepared several operational management measures at Banyumanik Toll Gate to anticipate the surge in vehicles during the homecoming period.
“At Banyumanik Toll Gate, we have tailored our operational measures to accommodate the traffic volume conditions that will enter,” he explained.
The operator is also increasing service capacity by utilising reversible toll booths.
“The booths that were originally designated for the Semarang direction will be utilised—four booths will serve the Solo direction. Additionally, we are adding angled booths at the far end, which increases capacity. In total, we will operate 18 booths,” Prajudi stated.
To accelerate transaction processing, TMJ has also prepared 18 mobile reader units.
“These are designed to allow two consecutive transactions to occur at a single booth. The device can move to visit or approach road users,” he said.
Prajudi also urged holiday travellers to prepare driver and vehicle conditions before travelling through the Semarang-Solo Toll Road. According to him, drivers must be in good health and should not overexert themselves if they feel tired during the journey.