Avoid Kennon Road, motorists said

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday advised motorists to avoid Kennon Road and instead use alternative roads to and from Baguio as rockfalls continue due to heavy rains in recent weeks.

DPWH-Cordillera director Khadaffy Tanggol said in a telephone interview that it is common for the rocky slope along the entire stretch of Kennon Road to become unstable due to persistent rains, which is why parts of the region are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals 4 and 3 Typhoon Nika ( international name Toraji).

He advised motorists to use Marcos Highway, Nangalisan-San Pascual Road and Naguilian Road.

The famous Lion’s Head along Kennon Road. Khadaffy Tanggol, Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera, again advised motorists on Monday, November 11, 2024 to avoid Kennon Road as stones continue to fall from mountainsides due to heavy rains in recent weeks. PNA FILE PHOTO

“The rocky slope is unstable. There are rocks falling from the mountains, which is why we do not recommend motorists drive through Kennon but use alternative roads for safety reasons,” he said.

Tanggol had previously stated that the temporary ski jump built in Camp 2 was completed and only accessible to light vehicles in one direction.

“There is no problem with the road itself, but with the mountain slopes that make it unsafe for travelers,” he said.

The final decision on the opening or closing of Kennon Road will be made by the Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority, he added.