Full reopening of Kennon Road sought

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Various groups are seeking the full reopening of Kennon Road.

The Metropolitan Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA) and Baguio City Peace and Order Council passed a resolution urging the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) Kennon under the Office of Civil Defense and Department of Public Works and Highways to open Kennon Road after addressing the road’s safety concerns.

 The resolution urges the IATF Kennon to assist the Tuba municipal government in conducting clearing and anti-illegal parking operations. 

Kennon Road is one of the major roads leading to this city and Benguet province. It is the shortest route from Rosario, La Union at only 33.7 kilometers.

It is open only to light vehicles during special events to help decongest Marcos Highway and other roads leading to this city.

Kennon Road has been closed to motorists due to ongoing rehabilitation of portions of the road that were affected by recent typhoons and earthquakes.  

“Traffic in the alternate routes is expected to worsen... when travel and tourist arrivals are at its peak,” the MBLISSTDA resolution read.

However, despite the closure of Kennon Road, colorum vehicles were reportedly allowed to pass through it.