Effectiveness of Gempal Bridge, Semarang City

Abstract

The development of transportation infrastructure, such as bridges, is a crucial effort to overcome traffic congestion and improve inter-regional connectivity in dense urban areas like Semarang City. The Gempal Bridge was constructed as a solution to alleviate severe traffic density on primary arterial roads and to connect two previously separated economic zones. This research aims to analyze the operational effectiveness of the Gempal Bridge on the performance of the surrounding road network. The methodology employed is a quantitative approach using a before-after study comparison. Key performance parameters measured include Average Daily Traffic (ADT), Volume-Capacity (V/C) Ratio, travel time, and delay rates during peak hours. Data analysis using traffic simulation models reveals that after the Gempal Bridge became operational, there was a significant decrease in the V/C Ratio on adjacent roads and a measurable reduction in average travel time. Furthermore, this study also examines the socio-economic impact through community perception. These results prove that the Gempal Bridge has effectively mitigated congestion and enhanced regional accessibility, and can serve as a basis for recommendations for future infrastructure development.