Police Prepare Traffic Engineering for Eid Return Flow on Sumbar-Riau Route

As an anticipation of the Eid return flow surge on the Sumbar-Riau route, we are preparing traffic flow engineering in the Kelok Sembilan area.

Padang (ANTARA) - The Lima Puluh Kota Resort Police in West Sumatra (Sumbar) are preparing traffic flow engineering to anticipate the surge in the 2026 Eid return flow on the Sumbar-Riau route.

“As an anticipation of the Eid return flow surge on the Sumbar-Riau route, we are preparing traffic flow engineering in the Kelok Sembilan area,” said the Head of the Traffic Unit Resident Unit of the Lima Puluh Kota Resort Police, Ipda Yoza Prima, in Padang on Sunday.

The engineering prepared by the police involves diverting vehicles coming from West Sumatra towards Riau to the old Kelok Sembilan road.

Meanwhile, vehicles coming from Riau towards West Sumatra will continue to use the Kelok Sembilan flyover.

Yoza emphasised that this traffic flow engineering is important given the role of the Kelok Sembilan flyover as a connector for the outbound flow between West Sumatra and Riau.

Every vehicle entering West Sumatra from Riau, after passing the provincial border, will go through Kelok Sembilan and the flyover, which is 943 metres long.

He explained that the engineering during the Eid return flow is deliberately implemented to anticipate a spike in vehicle volume during the return period.

His side estimates that the vehicle volume during the return flow will be higher compared to the outbound flow, as return mobility tends to occur simultaneously.

“Return flow mobility is usually done at the same time because travellers are bound by work entry schedules, offices, and others, resulting in higher vehicle volumes,” he said, who also serves as the Head of the Kelok Sembilan Eid Post.

In addition, he continued, the return flow is also feared to intersect with vehicles at tourist sites in Lima Puluh Kota Regency, such as Lembah Harau.

He said that during the previous outbound flow, the police did not implement engineering because it was not yet needed given the traffic conditions at that time.

“The Traffic Unit of the Lima Puluh Kota Resort Police will continue to monitor the return flow conditions; if it is indeed needed, the engineering will be applied,” he clarified.

The police continue to urge travellers to be careful and always prioritise safety while driving.

“Always obey traffic signs and rules; if your body is tired, do not force yourself to drive for the sake of safety and security,” he said.