One-way only going up

In preparation for the influx of tourists to Baguio City for the annual Panagbenga Festival, Kennon Road will be temporarily opened on February 14, 2019. This was made possible by the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (CRDRRMC), along with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in order to provide additional access going to The City of Pines.

According to DPWH-Cordillera Regional Director, Tirburcio Canlas, they are working on completing the major sections of the 33-km road. These include the Camp 1 and Camp 5 bridges, as well as the road slip along Camp 6.

“We are encouraging the contractor to prioritize the completion of the Camp 1 Bridge and the road slip at Camp 6 for the re-opening on February 14,” added Canlas.

Kennon will only be opened to light vehicles that weigh five tons or less, easily encompassing all types of motorcycles. It will only be one-way going up to Baguio City. To go down, vehicles will have to take alternate routes like Marcos Highway or Naguilian Road.

After the Panagbenga festivities, Kennon Road will once again be closed to motorists in order to give way to the completion of rehabilitation and repair works.

Kennon Road was closed to the public last September 2018 due to Typhoon Ompong. Landslides produced by the downpour caused landslides and other debris to block portions of the 33-km road. This prompted the DPWH to conduct rehabilitation works which are currently ongoing.