Monday, August 11, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]
BAGUIO CITY: Kenon Road is now open to all types of vehicles. The lifting of the ban is contained in Administrative Order 123, signed on Thursday by Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., temporarily allowing all types of vehicles to pass through Kenon Road, within the territorial jurisdiction and political boundaries of the city.
The order was issued following the erosion and temporary closure of the Aspiras-Palispis Highway, formerly know as Marcos Highway.
A portion of the highway eroded over the week, rendering impassable after heavy and continuous rains hit Baguio City and Benguet for almost two months now.
Engr. Mariano Alquiza, highways regional director estimated the cost of damages for the washed out portion of the highway at P35 million.
With the closure of the Aspiras-Palispis highway, Bautista said, there is a need to temporarily allow all types of vehicles to pass through Kenon Road, while waiting for repairs of the eroded portion of the Aspiras-Palispis Highway.
Earlier, the City Council issued an ordinance regulating and limiting the use of Kenon Road specifically the portions falling under the territorial boundary of the city exclusively for light motor vehicles. On Wednesday, vegetable trucks bound for Manila were apprehended for violation of the said Ordinance.
The council ordinance was earlier subject to criticism by the vegetable truckers association, officials of Benguet and the Department of Public Works and Highways as they were not consulted regarding the decision of closure.
-- Larry Madarang
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