KENNON ROAD, the oldest highway to and from Baguio City, will be opened on a two-way traffic scheme this weekend starting January 31 in anticipation of the influx of visitors as the Panagbenga Festival kicks off on February 1. The scheme will be in effect from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Monday until March 9. The decision to open the road to more vehicles was made by the inter-agency Task Group Kennon. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Cordillera office said heavy traffic is expected along the newer and wider Marcos Highway “during the height of Panagbenga Festival, PMA Alumni Homecoming, and other activities.” It added that it is anticipating local tourists to possibly “double” compared to previous years “due to limited access” in Tagaytay, another popular mountain destination, which has been affected by the recent Taal Volcano eruption.

LIMITATIONS
During weekdays, Kennon Road will be open only for Baguio-bound vehicles, with the right lane to be in use. “Private vehicles that will traverse the road are also advised to observe the speed limit of thirty kilometers per hour (30 kph), traffic and parking rules, especially when going for stopover at the Lion’s Head,” the OCD said. The road is also limited to vehicles weighing a maximum five tons. “In case of inclement weather and/or sudden occurrence of localized thunderstorm where landslide is imminent in the area, Kennon Road will be immediately closed” upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works and Highways regional office, local government of Tuba, and the Tuba municipal police. The Panagbenga, Baguio’s annual flower festival, will have its opening day parade on Saturday. The main events, the street dance parade and float parade, are set on February 29 and March 1, respectively. Other activities such as exhibitions will be on until March 8.

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