10-km CALAX Laguna segment to open in July

MANILA, Philippines — The first 10-kilometer Laguna segment of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) is expected to open in July, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC)’s subsidiary MPCALA Holdings Inc. said over the weekend.

MPCALA president and general manager Roberto Bontia said the company is targeting to open the segment – from Mamplasan to Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay – by the end of July.

Bontia said construction is expected to start by June.

“We’ll also apply for the corresponding toll for that particular segment,” Bontia said.

MPTC chief financial officer Christopher Daniel Lizo said the concession agreement provides a corresponding toll  of P4.50 per kilometer.

While the development of the Laguna portion is on track, Bontia said the Cavite side of the project is experiencing delays due to right of way problems.

Lizo said the right of way should have been delivered in July 2017.

Bontia said there has been progress on the issue, particularly on the seven-kilometer portion from Governor’s Drive Interchange to Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange.

The 45.29-kilometer CALAX will connect the Manila-Cavite Expressway to South Luzon Expressway.

It will reduce travel time between the two points from one hour and 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

The project will be completed in 2021.