Benguet, Baguio Roads Closed, Restricted Due to Inclement Weather

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said several roads in Benguet and Baguio remain closed or restricted due to road slips caused by inclement weather on Friday, July 17. According to the DPWH, the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, which has been closed since June 28, remains impassable to motorists. It advised motorists to take the Marlboro Beckel Road or the Labey-Lacamen Road as alternate routes. READ: Pagasa: Fair weather isolated rain showers until weekend Although the major roads leading to Baguio City remain passable despite prevailing rainy weather, the Kennon Road is limited to light vehicles with a maximum load of 5 tons. The DPWH also reminded motorists passing through Kennon Road of existing restrictions, including the temporary Acrow Bridge at Camp 2, which has a vertical clearance of 2.5 meters, and the one-lane section at the entrance of the rock shed from the Baguio City side. It also advised heavy-vehicle drivers to use alternative routes, such as Marcos Highway and the Asin-Nangalisan-San Pascual-La Union boundary road. Moreover, travelers are urged to remain alert while driving as continuous rains could trigger flooding, landslides, rockfalls, falling trees, and reduced visibility along national roads. The DPWH advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, follow traffic advisories and warning signs, and maintain safe driving speeds to ensure safety while driving. The Philippine Atmospheric and Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration said on Friday, July 17, that the southwest monsoon, or habagat, is forecast to bring gloomy skies and occasional rains over Northern Luzon. — Rendell Manuel, INQUIRER.net trainee /das