MARCH 26, 2026 — Kennon Road is once again under strict limits — only light vehicles weighing up to five tons are allowed, while heavy trucks and buses remain banned due to persistent hazards. The DPWH warns of dangerous sections like the one-lane rockshed near Baguio and the Acrow Bridge at Camp 2, underscoring the fragile state of this iconic gateway.

Kennon Road has always been more than just a highway — it’s a symbol of Baguio’s charm and a shortcut that generations of motorists have relied on. But once again, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is reminding us of its fragility. Only vehicles up to five tons are allowed, while heavy trucks are redirected to Marcos Highway. 

Why? Because the risks are real: landslides, rockfalls, slope instability, and narrow choke points that make every trip a gamble.

The one-lane rockshed entrance from Baguio City and the temporary Acrow Bridge at Camp 2 with a 2.50-meter clearance are particularly hazardous — structural vulnerabilities that could spell disaster if ignored.

Kennon Road’s 33-kilometer stretch leads to landmarks like the Lion’s Head, a selfie spot that has defined countless Baguio trips. But for residents and businesses, the restrictions mean longer travel times, higher fuel costs, and logistical headaches. 

Imagine being a farmer trying to move produce or a bus operator forced to reroute. These aren’t small adjustments. They’re economic burdens.

The DPWH’s cautious approach is necessary, but it also exposes how little progress we’ve made in securing this vital artery. Every rainy season, we brace for closures. Every landslide, we reset expectations. 

Will we always be stuck in a cycle of patchwork fixes instead of long-term solutions?

(Image: Philippine Information Agency)