Krueng Tingkeum Bridge Reopens, Restoring Vital Aceh-North Sumatra Logistics Route

The Krueng Tingkeum Bridge in Kutablang District, Bireuen Regency, Aceh, has officially opened to public traffic on Sunday, September 20, 2026, restoring the main logistics route connecting Aceh and North Sumatra. The operationalization of this infrastructure re-establishes connectivity along the Banda Aceh-Medan national road, facilitating the distribution of logistics supplies and economic commodities in the region. Previously, drivers had to queue due to the opening-closing system of the temporary Bailey emergency bridge. With the permanent bridge now functional, traffic can flow through two lanes without delays, crucial for accelerating the distribution of basic necessities, agricultural products, and the movement of goods to and from Bireuen. Bireuen Regent Mukhlis stated that the bridge's function is a vital component of economic recovery efforts following the meteorological disaster that struck the area in November 2025. "With the opening of the Krueng Tingkeum Bridge, we hope to revive the economy of the people of Bireuen Regency and Aceh which are very affected by the disaster," Mukhlis said on Monday, September 21. The Krueng Tingkeum Bridge structure was damaged by a massive flood on November 26, 2025, temporarily paralyzing one of the key corridors for people and goods movement in eastern Aceh. The local government installed a temporary Bailey bridge in late December 2025 to ensure mobility was not completely cut off during the construction of the main bridge. The newly completed permanent bridge measures 149.7 meters in length and features a steel girder structure. The construction project was undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works through the Aceh National Road Implementation Office (BPJN Aceh) as a permanent solution for strategic infrastructure post-disaster. Gatot Sukmana, Director of Bridges at the Ministry of Public Works, emphasized that the new bridge meets strict technical standards for quality and safety. "To restore the logistics route, we built this Krueng Tingkeum Kutablang Bridge. Technically, the design and construction have been maintained by BPJN Aceh colleagues related to quality and have been tested for load," Gatot stated. Following the diversion of all vehicle traffic to the new bridge, the government will proceed with repairing the old bridge that was previously connected to the Bailey bridge. This step aims to enhance the long-term capacity and reliability of the Banda Aceh-Medan national line and accelerate the economic recovery of the affected areas. Source: VOI English