Suramadu Bridge Temporarily Closed for Load Testing

The Suramadu Bridge, connecting Java and Madura islands, experienced temporary periodic closures today, Wednesday (15/4). This measure was taken to perform dynamic load testing on the bridge’s central span to ensure infrastructure safety.

Head of the Suramadu Toll Road Preservation Work Unit, Suparyanto, stated that the testing process began at 10:00 WIB. His team implemented a short open-close scheme to prevent massive vehicle accumulation.

“Each closure session lasts approximately 2 to 3 minutes. We conduct four sessions of closures, with intervals between closures ranging from 10 to 15 minutes,” Suparyanto said on Wednesday (15/4).

Suparyanto added that the intervals were intentionally provided so that the flow of vehicles crossing could resume before the next testing phase.

“After a two-minute closure session, the bridge is immediately reopened to normalise traffic flow,” he added.

The Head of Traffic Police Unit VIII Suramadu of East Java Police, AKP Darwoyo, assured that police personnel have been deployed on both sides of the bridge gates, from both Surabaya and Bangkalan directions.

He emphasised that the implementation of this load testing heavily depends on the actual traffic density conditions on the ground.

“This scheme is dynamic. If we see that the traffic flow has returned to smooth, then the next testing phase is carried out. We ensure that traffic conditions remain under control in every interval,” Darwoyo said.

So far, the police reported that the Suramadu traffic situation is still safe and controlled.

According to Darwoyo, the volume of vehicles crossing tends to be quiet, making it easier for officers to clear queues during the testing process.

“The vehicle volume is relatively flat, so it only takes about two minutes after opening for the flow to return to fully normal,” he said.