BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – A bridge in Banjar Pegending, Dalung Village, North Kuta District, partially collapsed on Saturday (February 14), causing a total disruption of access for residents and preventing vehicles from crossing.
Local authorities confirmed that repair work will begin once construction materials arrive at the site. The damaged bridge is suspected to have failed due to aging stone masonry structures underneath that were no longer strong enough to withstand water flow.
The Badung Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) is responsible for handling the technical repairs.
Field observations on Sunday (February 15) showed significant structural damage, making the road impassable for vehicles. Traffic around the area has been diverted to alternative routes to reduce the risk of accidents.
Head of Road and Bridge Development at the Highways Division of PUPR Badung, I Putu Teddy Widnyana Putra, said the agency had identified potential structural issues approximately three weeks earlier, when cracks were found in the old construction.
“The old stone masonry under the bridge failed. It was a previous-generation structure. That caused erosion of the bridge wall,” he explained.
He added that heavy rainfall in recent days worsened the condition. The convergence of water flow beneath the bridge accelerated erosion at the base, eventually leading to the collapse.
“It may not have been strong enough to hold, particularly at the bridge wings. Eventually, it gave way. We have installed large warning signs,” he said.
As a precaution, authorities have placed prominent signage to prevent vehicles from crossing the bridge and to avoid potential injuries.
The local government has ordered a 3×2 meter box culvert for the reconstruction. Once the material arrives, work is expected to begin immediately, with completion estimated within two to three weeks.
“We ask for the public’s patience. The regional budget was only finalized at the beginning of this month, and there have been budget adjustments. We are currently in the process,” Teddy stated.
In addition to addressing this case, the Highways Division has begun identifying other bridges with similar structural conditions to prevent further incidents.
“Bridges with similar conditions will be assessed and identified. We will take preventive repair measures,” he added.
The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in rapidly developing areas of Badung, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.