MPTC opens first Calax segment

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) unit MPCALA Holdings Inc. has commenced preparatory works on the second segment that would complete the 45-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) as the toll road’s first section becomes fully operational.

MPCALA said it opened on Feb. 9 the CALAX first segment, a 10.7-km stretch between Mamplasan Entry and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Interchange.

The portion has been partially opened since Oct. 30 last year and has been serving about 10,000 vehicles daily.

“The end-to-end opening of the first segment of CALAX is imperative to reduce traffic congestion in various parts of Laguna, specifically Laguna Boulevard and Aguinaldo Highway,” MPCALA president and general manager Roberto Bontia said.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar conducted the final inspection of the segment on Dec. 23, 2019.

“Now that all lanes are accessible, it serves as a viable option for motorists given the growing traffic demands in the area,” Bontia said.

MPCALA started today collecting toll from motorists using the 10.7-km segment after being toll free in the first three months of partial operations.

The TRB-approved CALAX toll rates for the first segment is P47 for class 1 vehicles (cars), P95 for class 2 vehicles (buses and small commercial trucks) and P143 for class 3 vehicles (large trucks or trailers).

With the first segment now fully operational, MPCALA said it has also commenced preparatory works for the second segment this month.

The second segment is a 35-km portion from Silang to Kawit, Cavite.

Construction of the segment, which will complete the entire 45.3-km CALAX project, is eyed for completion by the second quarter of 2022.