Major Davao road still close

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) — Erratic soil movement causing landslides forced the highways department here to close one of the major roads Saturday noon, November 4, 2017.

The section of the Old Dumpsite along Carlos P. Garcia Highway also known as Philippine-Japan Friendship highway along  Matina Pangi-Maa Diversion boundaries  was rendered CLOSED to all vehicle types until deemed safe as clearing operations are ongoing.

The diversion road is the major road for those travelling from the South to the North side of the Davao region.

It serves as the easy access to Davao International Airport and convenient travel for motorist going north.

In an  advisory, spokesperson Dean Ortiz of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XI  stressed the need to close the area as measures are undertaken overtime to prevent any untoward road problems.

In its notice, the DPWH XI emphasizes “Motorists are hereby advised to take alternate routes to avoid traffic.We will do our best to have the road opened by early morning tomorrow, November 6th.”

The road closure was first implemented on October 8, 2017 when the portion of the hilly land collapsed with boulders thrown from hills to the opposite side of the road which  endangered motorists.

Motorist were advised to take the alternate routes or travel two hours ahead of their usual schedule to beat time.

Measures are being undertaken “Our apologies for the inconvenience,” it stated.

The highways department also encourage the motorists to monitor announcement of the possible re-opening early Monday, November 6, as efforts to clear the road of debris and  soil is underway.

The city government of Davao late Sunday afternoon, November 5 announced  “Starting tomorrow, November 6, 2017, the Diversion Road (from CP Garcia corner Maa to CP Garcia Bangkal) will only be passable from 5 am to 9 pm while clearing operations at the landslide area will be done from 9 pm to 5 am.”

All vehicles going North are advised to take the McArthur Highway, while trucks and other heavy vehicles are advised to use the Maa Road going CP Garcia, the announcement added.