THE government aims to open the first segment of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) in October despite the perceived “challenge” in the acquisition and delivery of right-of-way.
Public Works (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar said opening the first segment of the thoroughfare will benefit the growing industrial, commercial and real-estate centers of this part of the Southern Tagalog region.
The first segment, which runs from the Mamplasan Barrier to Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Interchange, will benefit an initial 10,000 vehicles. It will decongest Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road.
“We are nearing the opening this October. Despite some challenges in the right-of-way acquisition which kept us from delivering earlier as we hoped, we are addressing these challenges in order to keep to the timeline and deliver the full 45 kilometers by early 2022,” Villar said.
For his part, Metro Pacific Tollways South Corp. President Roberto V. Bontia said his group can deliver the facility to the government and motorists, as ordered.
“Faster, safer, more comfortable and a reliable route will be experienced by motorists traversing between Bacoor and Kawit, Cavite areas, and the Laguna and South Luzon areas,” he said.
Calax will be equipped with an Automatic License Plate Recognition System, which enables a “barrier-less entry.” It will also sport IP-based Speed Detection Cameras, CCTVs, and will feature various commercial establishments, such as gasoline stations, retail outlets, convenience stores and restaurants, among others.
“Once completed, it will only take 45 minutes from the usual two-hour travel time taking the same route and about 50,000 cars will experience this convenience.” Villar said.
Calax is envisioned to be a four-lane, 45-kilometer toll road that will connect the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway. It will have eight interchanges, namely: Kawit, Daang Hari, Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay, Laguna Boulevard, Technopark and a Toll Barrier before Slex.
