Construction of Cavite-Laguna Expressway begins

People living in the provinces of Cavite and Laguna will soon be able to travel with ease. Recently, the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) broke ground on the Laguna section of the upcoming Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar stated that the 18-kilometer CALAX will have eight interchanges and one main toll barrier. When completed, CALAX is expected to cut travel time between CAVITEX and SLEX by 45 minutes.

“The road construction project from Tirona Highway to the end of Greenfield near Mamplasan Exit in Laguna will be closely monitored so that by 2020, our travel time from CAVITEX to SLEX will be reduced to only 45 minutes,” said Villar.

In addition to cutting travel time, Villar also noted that the construction of CALAX will reduce traffic congestion along Governor's Drive, Aguinaldo Highway and the Santa Rosa – Tagaytay Road.

The project is part of the 45-kilometer closed system modern tolled expressway that was awarded by the DPWH to MPCALA Holdings, Inc. of the Metro Pacific Group. The investment holding company won the bidding under the government's Public-Private-Parntership Program (PPP).

“Knowing what is at stake with this project that will benefit many generations to come, DPWH will give it all to deliver everything we can and finish the project by 2020,” added Villar.

The CALAX project will require a total investment of PhP 35.425 billion and will be fully funded by MPCALA.