DPWH chief to inspect Davao landslide site

The landslide site in Sitio Marahan, Barangay Marilog District in Davao City remains closed to most vehicles after continuous monsoon rains triggered a massive slope failure on July 17, severing the Bukidnon–Davao Road. Motorists are using alternate routes while authorities assess and rehabilitate the damaged highway. Photo by DPWH-11 VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon is expected to inspect the massive landslide site along the Bukidnon–Davao Road in Sitio Marahan, Barangay Marilog Proper, Davao City on Thursday, July 23, as authorities continue assessing long-term engineering solutions, a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official said. Dean Ortiz, DPWH Region 11 spokesperson, told the Inquirer on Wednesday that personnel from the DPWH Central Office’s Bureau of Design conducted an on-site inspection on July 21 and initially recommended measures to strengthen the reconstruction of the damaged road. READ: Minutes before disaster, Bukidnon official escapes Davao landslide Article continues after this advertisement “Assessment and investigation are still ongoing to determine the most appropriate engineering interventions for the landslide area,” Ortiz said. The landslide, which struck on July 17, cut off the main road linking Davao City, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro, disrupting traffic between Mindanao’s southern and northern regions. Ortiz said the affected section remains closed to all vehicles, except motorcycles and tricycles, which are allowed to pass cautiously through a narrow portion of the damaged road. Motorists are advised to use designated alternate routes while road improvement works continue. Southbound motorists bound for Davao City are advised to take the 10.4-kilometer Camp Uno–Katipunan–Datu Ladayon–Marahan alternate route, while northbound travelers heading to Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro should use the 5.3-kilometer Marahan–Datu Ladayon–Ladian route. Article continues after this advertisement Both routes converge near Marahan in Marilog District before rejoining the national highway. According to DPWH-11, traffic management and road improvement efforts are ongoing to ease congestion in the affected areas. /jpv Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.