Drivers Warned About Safety on Kennon Road
BAGUIO CITY – Local officials from the disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) in Tuba, Benguet, strongly advised motorists to be cautious when using Kennon Road for travel to and from Baguio City. The warning comes amid ongoing concerns over landslides and falling rocks, which pose serious safety risks along this route.
“It’s safer to avoid Kennon Road. We never know where falling rocks or landslides might occur,” said Gerald Jhune Alejo Jr., the local DRRM Officer II of Tuba, during a recent radio interview. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of the hazards along this 33-kilometer road and highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety.
Road Conditions and Safety Measures
Although some slope protection and repair works have been completed on parts of Kennon Road, the thoroughfare is still not classified as an all-weather route. Alejo stressed that falling rocks and landslides can happen anywhere along the road, making alternate routes a safer choice despite their longer travel time and distance.
He recommended motorists use alternate paths such as Marcos Highway, the Nangalisan-San Pascual road, or the Naguillian route, which offer safer passage even if they take more time. “Safety should always come first. Take the alternate routes,” Alejo advised.
Recent Incidents and Current Road Status
The latest incident occurred on Monday night when a landslide took place near the rock shed at the entrance of Kennon Road. This event forced authorities to limit traffic to one-way passage temporarily. Presently, Kennon Road remains open only to light vehicles due to ongoing rehabilitation efforts and its steep, winding terrain.
Local leaders noted that these restrictions and warnings are necessary to prevent accidents and ensure traveler safety during the rainy season when such hazards are more frequent.
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