Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar announced Friday, March 5 that the construction of the 4.6-kilometer "Great Wall of Baguio City" is in full swing.
"We are now implementing the Phase 4 of the Great Wall of Baguio City, which will provide direct connection from Kennon Road to Loakan Airport without passing through the city proper of Baguio,” Villar said in a statement.
Specifically, the planned bypass road will connect Major Mane Road to Kennon Road.
Baguio City District Engineer Rene Zarate said that the ongoing two-lane road project has become a local tourist destination as it provides a breathtaking, 360-degree view of Benguet mountain range.
The project involves construction of concrete road with sidewalk and gutter as well as retaining wall to protect motorists from landslides. This wall has inspired the comparisons to centuries-old "Great Wall of China." According to Villar, the bypass road is right on track for completion in 2023. This, after 3.07 kilometers of it have been finished under the first three phases.
“Upon completion, the road will also provide additional safe route to EPZA, Philippine Military Academy, Balatoc, and Philex Mines aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the City of Pines,” he said.