Halsema Highway
.svg)  | |
|---|---|
| Benguet–Mountain Province Road Baguio–Bontoc Road Mountain Trail | |
 Highest point marker in Atok, Benguet | |
| Route information | |
| Length | 150 km (93 mi) |
| Existed | 1930–present |
| Component highways |  N204 |
| Major junctions | |
| North end |  N204 (Bontoc–Tabuk Road) / N109 (Bontoc–Banaue Road) in Bontoc, Mountain Province |
| |
| South end | Magsaysay Avenue in Baguio |
| Location | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Provinces | |
| Major cities | Baguio |
| Towns | |
| Highway system | |
| |
The Halsema Highway (also known as the Benguet–Mountain Province Road, the Baguio–Bontoc Road, and the Mountain Trail[1]) is a national secondary highway in the Philippines. Situated within the Cordillera Central range in northern Luzon, it stretches from the city limit[2] of Baguio to the municipality of Bontoc.[3] Its highest point is at 2,255.52 metres (7,400.0 ft) above sea level in the municipality of Atok.[4] It was officially recognized as the highest altitude highway in the Philippines until 2019,[5] when the 2,429 metres (7,969 ft) high point Kiangan–Tinoc–Buguias Road in Tinoc, Ifugao, was recognized as the new holder of the distinction.[6]
The 150-kilometer (93.2 mi)[5] highway covers 95 kilometers (59 mi)[7] of Benguet province and traverses eight of its municipalities (La Trinidad, Tublay, Atok, Bokod, Kabayan, Buguias, Bakun, and Mankayan). It also covers four Mountain Province towns (Bauko, Sabangan, Bontoc, and Sagada).[8] The road splits into two upon reaching the village of Dantay, in Bontoc. One road leads to downtown Bontoc,[4] while the other leads to the town of Sagada, 29 kilometers (18.0 mi) farther from the junction.
The highway forms part of National Route 204 (N204) of the Philippine highway network.
History
[edit]The highway was named after an American engineer, named Eusebius Julius Halsema,[1][9] who served as the mayor of Baguio from 1920 to 1937. Under Halsema's term, its construction commenced in 1922 with the help of locals and was completed in 1930 as a foot trail.
Halsema Highway has been a crucial part of Cordillera's history and transportation. It's the only existing link between Baguio and Cordillera's most remote areas. It is the only route that vegetable farmers take to distribute vegetables in Baguio's markets.
Hazards
[edit]Parts of the highway are dangerous, especially during the rainy season, when landslides are common and asphalted portions become slippery.[5][9]
In March 2013, List25 included the highway at #9 in its 25 Most Dangerous Roads in the World.[5][10]
It was shown in Discovery World's show, Hot Roads - World's Most Dangerous Roads.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Halsema, James. "History and Biography of Euseibus Julius Halsema". Halsema.org. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ Aure Galacgac, Aure (February 6, 2014). "Halsema Highway to be made 'tourist friendly'". Sun.Star Baguio. Archived from the original on February 16, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ Sy, Marvin (June 9, 2010). "NEDA: Vegetable prices to rise during rainy season". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ a b Caluza, Desiree (May 26, 2014). "Mountain Trail leads to culture, nature hubs". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Halsema Highway". Dangerous Roads. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ Cimatu, Frank (March 20, 2019). "Halsema Highroad Point dethroned as highest point in PH Highway System". Rappler. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ "Province of Benguet". Department of the Interior and Local Government - Cordillera Administrative Region. DILG-CAR. March 7, 2013. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ "Halsema Hway". Mapcentral. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ a b Glover, Morgan (July 27, 2014). "Halsema Highway: Most Dangerous Driving Roads". Elephant Car Hire. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- ^ "25 Most Dangerous Roads in the World". List25. March 11, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Halsema Highway at Wikimedia Commons
 Major roads in Benguet | ||||||||
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| National roads |
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16°34′30″N 120°44′11″E / 16.5750°N 120.7363°E
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