It has been at least a week since we here at The Bali Sun have talked about traffic, and we have some good news to share.
The new traffic flow system in Uluwatu that has been on trial will now be implemented as a permanent solution to congestion chaos in Bukit’s top tourism resorts.
It has just been confirmed by the Badung Regency Transportation Agency (Dishub) and the local Traffic and Road Transportation Forum (LLAJ) that the newly established traffic engineering system in the Pecatu-Uluwatu tourism area will be introduced as a permanent policy.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of the Badung Transportation Agency, Anak Agung Gede Rahmadi, confirmed that the trial in June has been deemed a success.
He explained, “The evaluation results show that the traffic engineering scheme will be maintained, as it is considered effective in reducing traffic congestion.”
Rahmadi confirmed the decision was taken after the month-long trial showed positive results in smoothing traffic flow to the Uluwatu tourist area.
He noted that although the new system has been implemented as of now, the implementation of ticket sanctions for violators will be brought in by the police after the issuance of the Badung Regent’s Decree (SK), as the legal basis for the new system has come into effect.
Rahamdi shared, “This traffic engineering is the result of a joint study by the LLAJ Forum, which involved the Bali Class II BPTD, the police, the South Kuta District, the village government, and local agencies.”
The new traffic flow system is focused on six intersections that have been prone to congestion, with priority being given to the Toya Ning II-Uluwatu Highway Intersection and the Baler Setra-Blimbing Sari Highway Intersection.
The new system is helping to keep tourist traffic entering the Bukit from Denpasar, Kuta, and Sanur moving freely. The thing drivers have to get into the habit of remembering is that the new traffic flow is based on timing, with restrictions in place from 5 pm to 10 pm daily.
The new system stipulates that vehicles from Jalan Raya Uluwatu are not allowed to turn directly onto Jalan Toya Ning II. Vehicles from Jalan Toya Ning II heading towards Jalan Raya Uluwatu are only permitted to turn left towards Pecatu and are prohibited from turning right towards Ungasan.
This restriction applies to operating hours from 5:00 PM WITA to 10:00 PM WITA. Additionally, vehicles traveling from the Baler Setra-Blimbing Sari intersection are prohibited from turning west onto Uluwatu Highway. This regulation applies to all types of vehicles, except motorcycles.
Here at The Bali Sun, we’ll admit that on paper, it looks a little confusing, but actually, when you’re out on the road, it makes more sense in practice, even with the changing hours.
Rahamadi added, “There are no changes to the engineering designation, but there are additions, namely the addition of a sign prohibiting entry from Jalan Uluwatu to Gang Batu Nunggul. Specifically, the sign prohibiting entry from Jalan Raya Uluwatu to Gang Batu Nunggul does not apply to operating hours.”
Rahmadi also confirmed that the decision to implement the new traffic engineering system permanently was based on the results of an evaluation involving local communities and drivers who regularly use the route.
He explained that based on the evaluation results, the majority of people feel the benefits of implementing this new traffic engineering system because the flow of vehicles is smoother and travel is more comfortable.
He noted ”In general, the public is pleased with the improvements, as the road has become more comfortable and smoother. This road is indeed the only one with the capacity to reach Uluwatu.”
With Bali in the height of the high season right now, we have to admit that at times, traffic congestion is unavoidable.
Leaders in Bali are actually aware of this, which is why new traffic flow systems are being tried and tested in top destinations, like Uluwatu, to help keep tourists moving across the island with ease. We can expect more of these kinds of solutions to be introduced over the next year, following the success in Uluwatu.
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