Payakumbuh-Lintau Road Repairs Trigger Three Truck Accidents

The Payakumbuh-Lintau road in Lareh Sago Halaban, Lima Puluh Kota, is undergoing repairs in 2025. This project will improve connectivity in West Sumatra.

The one-way repair method has caused serious problems. The left side of the road heading towards Lintau is being repaired, leaving a narrow lane for traffic.

Three major truck accidents have recently occurred. These incidents on the narrow lane involved trucks from Payakumbuh, highlighting the hazards of construction.

Challenges of the One-Way Repair Method

The one-way repairs maintain traffic flow. However, the narrow lane makes it difficult for large and long trucks to pass.

The Payakumbuh-Lintau road is a vital route in Lima Puluh Kota. Residents of Lareh Sago Halaban have long complained about previous road damage.

The repair project began in 2025 to improve road quality. The budget was allocated to support interregional connectivity.

However, Kartininews Friends, the narrow lane increases the risk of accidents. Sharp curves and limited road width make maneuvering difficult for large trucks.

Worrying Truck Accidents

Three truck accidents occurred in the past month. All trucks from Payakumbuh to Lintau became stuck in narrow lanes.

The first incident involved a truck going into a ravine. The narrow lane around the curve caused the driver to lose control while maneuvering.

The second accident occurred on an unpaved road. The truck plunged into a ditch because the new asphalt had not yet dried for large trucks.

The third incident involved a truck getting stuck on a tight curve. The long truck failed to maneuver, causing traffic congestion until evacuation was carried out.

Friends of Kartininews, no fatalities were reported. However, significant material losses have been caused, harming transportation businesses.

Mitigation Efforts and Future Hopes

Police lines have been installed at the accident site to encourage the public to be more vigilant and reduce speed when passing through accident-prone areas.

Residents believe this measure is inadequate. Friends of Kartininews, many have requested that the large truck lane be moved to Galugu Hill.

The 2025 budget is allocated for road repairs. This project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, improving access in Lima Puluh Kota.

Residents of Lareh Sago Halaban are demanding a swift solution. Narrow lanes and undried asphalt continue to endanger road users.

The government is being asked to evaluate repair methods. Temporary lanes or special truck schedules could reduce the risk of accidents.

Friends of Kartininews, road user safety is a priority. Road repairs must balance progress and traffic safety.

The government is expected to act immediately. With cooperation, the Payakumbuh-Lintau road could become the backbone of the West Sumatra economy.

The progress of repairs to the 1.3-kilometer Payakumbuh-Lintau connecting road, carried out by the West Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov Sumbar) through the BMCKTR (Transportation, Infrastructure, and Transportation Agency), has reached 50 percent. Residents have welcomed this development, feeling that their concerns have been positively addressed by the West Sumatra Provincial Government.

"Thank God, the West Sumatra Provincial Government has responded to our expectations with concrete action," said Khairul Hadi Dt. Paduko Marajo Lelo, Head of Labuah Gunuang Village, when met at the repair site on Tuesday (July 8, 2025).

According to Khairul, these road repairs not only improve transportation but also increase the public's sense of safety and comfort in their daily activities.

Currently, several sections of the repaired road are passable, although the traffic flow is still operating on an open-close system. The work is not yet fully complete, only about 50 percent complete.

"Although it's not yet fully completed, it is passable to vehicles," he added.

The road connecting Payakumbuh City with the Lintau area in Tanah Datar Regency is a vital route for the economy and education of the surrounding community. Since 2016, community activities in the area have been disrupted due to the damaged road.

Eva Maria Dirbas, Head of the Lareh Sago Halaban District Government Section, also expressed her appreciation for the road repairs. She assessed that the repairs have significantly impacted the smoother daily mobility of residents, especially parents who must use this route every day to take their children to school.

"The residents here are very grateful for these repairs. This is not only about comfort, but also about the future of our children," Eva said.

Similarly, Rilson Dt. Mangguang, a local community leader, called the road repairs a tangible demonstration of the government's presence in his community. He hopes that the construction that has begun will not stop at the 1.3 kilometer mark.

"Hopefully, this is the beginning of further construction all the way to the Tanah Datar border, as there are still several other areas that are severely damaged," he said.

Meanwhile, Budi Margana, a resident who had participated in protests over the slow pace of road repairs, now expressed satisfaction. He said the repairs have erased the frustration of residents who had felt neglected.

"The potholes have been filled, the dust is no longer flying, and the road is now running smoothly. We can finally breathe a sigh of relief," he said gratefully.

The repairs to the Payakumbuh-Sitangkai road section are part of the Provincial Road Rehabilitation Project, which costs over Rp12.3 billion, using a rigid pavement system. The project is targeted for completion within 180 working days, or by early September 2025.