Tanjung Balai – The Head of the Medan Class I Railway Engineering Center conducted a field review of the BH 343 Railway Bridge located on the Medan - Tanjung Balai Railway Line, Kisaran - Tanjung Balai Segment on Wednesday (10/30/2024). This visit aims to ensure that the entire work process has been carried out according to the applicable planning and technical specifications, so that the smoothness and safety of train travel on the Medan - Tanjung Balai Line is created.

One of the works that has been carried out is strengthening the track structure by fattening the KA body and installing retaining walls (DPT) in the form of gabions along the railway line before and after the BH 343 Railway Bridge. The installation of 400 m³ of gabions is expected to strengthen the stability of the track, especially when the track is raised to a maximum height of 40 cm from the position of the existing rail. Fattening the body is important to maintain the stability of the track structure at that location.

In addition, ballast and track lifting have been added using jacks and Hydraulic Track Tamping (HTT). Furthermore, the replacement of the R54 concrete rails and sleepers will be carried out after the bridge shift is carried out along 150 m'sp. This step is carried out carefully to ensure that the elevated track remains safe and meets standards.

The Head of the Center also reviewed the readiness of heavy equipment mobilization after land clearing for road access on both sides of the Tanjung Balai route was completed. With access that has been opened, heavy equipment can now move more efficiently on both sides of the bridge, making it easier for contractors to continue work without mobility constraints.

To improve work safety, the Head of the Center instructed contractors to prepare work details before the work is carried out. The preparation of these work details is expected to minimize the risk of work accidents and help contractors adjust work methods if field conditions do not match the initial plan.

On the abutment of the BH 343 bridge on the right side towards Tanjung Balai, 18 bore pile drilling points have been carried out out of a total of 24 points planned for both abutments. The next work will be continued on the left abutment towards Tanjung Balai station, which is considered a faster and more efficient implementation strategy in the use of bore pile equipment.

However, the installation of auxiliary portals to hold the rails during bore pile work in the Kisaran direction has not been carried out due to limited sheet piles to hold the body of the rail. The Head of the Center said that additional sheet piles have been ordered and are expected to arrive on Monday, September 8, 2024. The presence of these sheet piles will accelerate the installation of the railway track retaining portals on the Kisaran side.

To facilitate future maintenance, the BH 343 bridge will also be adjusted in the as-built section to accommodate the relocation of fiber optic cables located on the left side of the Tanjung Balai bridge. This adjustment is expected to increase the efficiency of cable maintenance in the future.

The Head of the Center emphasized to the contractor to always comply with the SOP to ensure safety during the BH 343 bridge improvement process.

Through this review, the Head of the Center ensured that all activities were running according to plan and were expected to be completed on time with the expected quality and safety standards. These steps are in line with the commitment to maintain smooth train travel on the Tanjung Balai - Kisaran line. (AI/ARH/MAD/RZ)