Tension cracks slow down traffic in Davao-Bukidnon road

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Highway authorities are closely monitoring a damaged section of the Davao-Bukidnon Highway after meters-long tension cracks were discovered in Barangay Buda, Marilog District, Davao City, forcing a partial road closure.

Only two of the four lanes remain open to motorists along the national concrete highway.

Personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 11 have cordoned off the affected area and placed sandbags to prevent rainwater from further seeping into the fissures.

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DPWH-11 spokesperson Dean Ortiz told the Inquirer on Friday that while continuous monsoon rains pose a hazard, the road remains safe for travel under ongoing evaluation by government engineers.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected a landslide-damaged section of the Davao–Bukidnon Highway in Sitio Marahan, Marilog District, on Thursday.

The collapsed road disrupted a major transport link connecting Davao Region and Northern Mindanao, but Dizon assured the public that engineers are finalizing designs for a temporary bypass road.

Construction is scheduled to begin Monday along the remaining six-meter-wide portion of the highway, aimed at restoring full passage for light vehicles and buses within the next few weeks.

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The ongoing travel disruption has raised concerns among local business groups.

Carmen Yap, president of the Valencia City Chamber of Commerce in Bukidnon, noted that the reduced road capacity has led to increased trucking costs, higher fuel consumption, travel delays, and supply chain disruptions between Bukidnon and the Davao Region.

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Yap added that while local businesses can source supplies from Cagayan de Oro City, many still prefer Davao due to shorter travel times and less congested routes.

In response, Ortiz assured the business community that the agency is fully aware of the economic fallout caused by recent landslides and road issues, stressing that DPWH crews are working around the clock to clear and restore full access safely.

Local police and traffic officers advise all motorists traveling the Davao-Bukidnon route to exercise caution, observe posted warning signs, and follow instructions from field traffic personnel. INQ /mr