Traffic Management Scheme at Tangerang-Merak Tollway During Lebaran Exodus

Tangerang – The Lebaran exodus always brings a surge of vehicles heading towards ferry terminals, particularly those bound for Merak Port. To address this congestion, Tangerang-Merak Toll Road operators have prepared several traffic management schemes, including a vehicle delaying system and vehicle-type classification before vehicles enter the port area.

Uswatun Hasanah, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability Management at ASTRA Infra, stated that contraflow schemes are rarely applied on this route. “So our approach is more about anticipating the surge towards Merak Port, and it is typically implemented in stages according to situational police discretion when queuing occurs,” Uswatun told Kompas.com on Saturday (7 March 2026).

She explained that vehicle flow control measures will be implemented gradually if congestion develops. The delaying system serves as the first stage to slow vehicle movement towards the port. Under this scheme, several buffer zones are established before vehicles reach the port, with a key point located around Cikupa Toll Gate, which serves as a vehicle holding area before traffic is gradually released.

In addition to the delaying system, toll operators have also prepared special traffic arrangements to separate freight vehicles from passenger vehicles. This is important because vehicles heading to Sumatra do not all use the same port. Vehicle separation will be conducted at the East Cilegon Toll Gate access point with assistance from police posts. Cargo vehicles will be directed towards specialist logistics ports such as Ciwandan Port and BBJ Bojonegara Port, whilst passenger vehicles will continue to Merak Port.

This scheme is expected to maintain smooth traffic flow during the Lebaran exodus, particularly on the Java-Sumatra ferry crossing route, which is typically one of the most congested points during the Lebaran season each year.