INOVASI INFRASTRUKTUR JALAN MELALUI PENERAPAN REFLEKTOR SEBAGAI UPAYA MENDUKUNG KESELAMATAN PENGGUNA JALAN DI DESA TIMBANG LAWAN DUSUN VII

Abstract

The study aims to design, independently produce, and analyze the effectiveness of installing low-cost reflective delineators in mitigating transportation hazards at sharp curves without public street lighting in Hamlet VII of Timbang Lawan Village, Bahorok Subdistrict, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, which serves as the main transit corridor to the Bukit Lawang ecotourism area. The research methodology employed a descriptive qualitative approach based on collaborative participatory action between university academics and hamlet government officials. The intervention stages included mapping geometric hazards, analyzing the beam angles of motor vehicle headlights, the self-assembly of 16 poles made of 2.5-inch-diameter, 1-meter-long polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes wrapped in retroreflective sheeting, the installation of 25-centimeter-deep concrete foundations on both sides of the road shoulder on August 17, 2026, and a qualitative perception evaluation through in-depth interviews with various stakeholders. The research results demonstrated that the row of passive delineators successfully formed a visual guide curve that independently enhanced the visibility of the road’s curvature when illuminated by vehicle headlights from both directions without an external power supply. Local residents, micro-entrepreneurs, tour guides, village youth, and hamlet heads confirmed improved clarity of the road’s edge as well as reduced anxiety and the risk of accidents while driving at night. In practice, this self-funded physical engineering project totaling Rp300,000 demonstrates that appropriate-technology innovations can quickly and economically eliminate the hazards of blind spots while guiding the mobility of tourists unfamiliar with the hilly terrain. Theoretically, this study enriches the literature on community-based rural road safety management. In conclusion, the implementation of community-funded reflective posts has proven to be reliable, resistant to tropical climate conditions, energy-independent, and an effective model for rural transportation risk mitigation one that is ready to be replicated by other village governments across the region.