CALAX-Laguna segment project underway

Construction works for the 18kilometer Laguna section of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) got underway yesterday, following a groundbreaking ceremony.

“The whole CALAX project which will have eight interchanges and one main toll barrier is expected to reduce travel time from CAVITEX to SLEX by 45 minutes,” Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said.

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

The project is part of the 45-kilometer closed system modern tolled expressway awarded by the DPWH to private concessionaire MPCALA Holdings, Inc. of the Metro Pacific Group which won the competitive bidding under the government’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) program.

“CALAX will be one of the most advanced highways in the Philippines. It expected to ease traffic congestion along Governor's Drive, Aguinaldo Highway and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road,” Villar pointed out.

In March this year, MPACALA Holdings has signed a contract with DM Consunji Inc. for the Laguna segment which will involve the construction of a four-lane highway with four interchanges from Aguinaldo Interchange to the existing Mamplasan Interchange of SLEX in Biñan, Laguna.

Secretary Villar has affirmed DPWH commitment to expedite the acquisition of road right-of-way so that the contractor can finish the project right away.

“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,” Villar noted.