Open CALAX eases holiday gridlock

The completed 2×2 lane expressway will provide a high-speed alternate route between CAVITEX in Kawit, Cavite to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) at Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna. #Calax

Tagaytay City-bound travelers will still be able to bypass the traffic-choked SLEX Mamplasan Interchange to Sta. Rosa road this coming holiday season.

This was confirmed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar on Saturday after he completed the final inspection of the 10-kilometer section of the Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX) between SLEX Mamplasan Interchange and Sta. Rosa City in Laguna.

“I have requested the concession company, MPCALA Holdings to keep this section open and so that our holiday goers can continue to enjoy this short cut from Manila to Tagaytay City,” Villar told reporters.

“We all know that Tagaytay City is a traditional Christmas holiday destination of Filipinos and this is our way of making their family road trips as convenient as possible,” he added.

Villar said about 10,000 motorists are forecast to initially benefit from the extended opening of the Sta. Rosa section of CALAX.

According to MPCALA Holdings President Roberto V. Bontia, the company is supporting Villar’s request to assure hassle-free travel for motorists this Christmas season.

Bontia said the opening of CALAX will further boost the development of the fast-growing areas south of Metro Manila.

Partially open since 30 November 2019, the expressway section has already benefited thousands of daily commuters who can pass through the gridlocked Mamplasan to Sta. Rosa road.

Once the permits are issued, the section will be fully operational and will be covered by MPCALA’s full-time traffic management teams and 24/7 emergency roadside services.

The rest of the 45-kilometer CALAX is currently under construction and the complete 2×2 lane expressway will provide a high-speed alternate route between CAVITEX in Kawit, Cavite to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) at Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna.

CALAX will have eight interchanges, namely: Kawit, Open Canal, Governor’s Drive, Silang, Silang East, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay, Laguna Blvd., and Laguna Technopark.

Bontia said CALAX showcases advanced tolling technology and features the new Automatic License Plate Recognition System that, for the first time, enables motorists to enjoy barrier-free entry into the expressway system and eliminates queuing at both entry/exit points.

The traffic management system will also feature strategically installed (IP Based) Speed Detection Cameras and High Definition CCTV system to ensure motorist safety and quick emergency roadside services.