New Calax segment now open, easing access to Tagaytay, rest of Cavite

FASTER ROUTE The 3.9-kilometer subsection of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange is open to motorists starting Nov. 8, toll-free until further notice. This new segment of Calax shortens travel time to Tagaytay City and other parts of Cavite from the South Luzon Expressway. —REM ZAMORA

Motorists on their way to Tagaytay City and its nearby areas in Cavite province can now use the 3.9-kilometer Silang (Aguinaldo) interchange of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) starting Wednesday toll-free until further notice.

In a statement, Calax concessionaire MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MHI) said motorists would only be charged up to the Silang East Interchange of the expressway, a public-private partnership between the Department of Public Works and Highways and MHI. The toll road links Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) and the South Luzon Expressway.

“We’re thrilled about this Calax expansion, which will not only make life easier for our motorists but also boost the local economy,” Raul Ignacio, MHI president and general manager, said in the statement.

He said the Calax expansion would provide a “quicker and more convenient route” to popular and emerging destinations in Cavite, including Tagaytay City.

“We’re creating opportunities for businesses to thrive and for families to make the most of their time together,” Ignacio said.

According to MHI, the section which connects the expressway’s operational stations from Mamplasan in Biñan City, Laguna, to Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, Cavite, would improve travel convenience for motorists.

The Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange is seen to play a significant role in decongesting the busiest highway in Cavite, offering a faster route to the tourism destinations in Silang town and Tagaytay City.

According to MHI, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the new section is expected to cater to an additional 5,000 motorists daily.

Calax, it said, would further expand to a total of 45 km by 2024. It features eight interchanges: Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang East, Silang (Aguinaldo), Governor’s Drive, Open Canal and Kawit Interchange. Calax will eventually connect to Cavitex in Kawit town.