The national road at KM167+400 going to Camp Valdez in Brgy Mambaroto, Sipalay City, will be temporarily closed to all vehicles from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 26, the Department of Public Works and Highways Negros Island Region (DPWH NIR) announced on Thursday.
“This temporary closure is needed to enable the conduct of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) scans and a Geo-Resistivity Test by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) following the recent ground cracks and landslide in the area,” the DPWH NIR announcement said.
This activity is necessary to ensure public safety, it said.
The Sipalay City government said based on the MGB assessment the ground collapse in the area was triggered by a sinkhole.
Motorists passing the area are advised to be on alert for a possible landslide or soil collapse during heavy rain, it said.
On the recommendation of the MGB, large vehicles with heavy loads should pass the area one at a time to prevent landslides, it added.
The city government is assessing the use of an alternative route if the Camp Valdez area becomes impassable, the city government said.*