The unfinished Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem, Pangasinan has been temporarily closed to motorists following the surge of visitors over the weekend.
The joint decision came during a multi-agency emergency meeting led by Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil on Monday.
Officials ordered the temporary closure in order for workers to complete the road project without any delay as well as to prevent any further accidents.
According to Mangatarem, Pangasinan police chief Major Aurelio Manantan, a total of seven people were killed in 12 separate accidents since late last year. Two fire incidents were also reported after visitors left cigarette butts in the area.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways said that around P400 million is needed to complete the remaining 4.8 km portion of the road project in Zambales.
The agency said that the completion of the 19.45-km Daang Kalikasan, which stretches from Umangan, Mangatarem to Zambales, is being targeted by June 2020. – Eva Visperas