DPWH calls for partial opening of CALAX by December

DPWH

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is advancing the Laguna stretch of Metro Group's Cavite-Laguna Highway Pacific (CALAX) project in December despite construction delays caused by heavy rains

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar told reporters after an inspection of the site Saturday that the December target is "feasible" [19659004] "There are challenges. But until now, they have been resolved … We plan to accelerate the construction of CALAX, said Mr Villar.

The president of MPCALA Holdings, Inc. told reporters in early July the construction of segments 7 and 8 of CALAX, The target you remember is December 2018 for segments 7 and 8. But as it rains time in time, the most likely completion date is that of Laguna. would be the first quarter of next year, "MPCALA P The resident Luigi L. Bautista said on July 5.

He added:" Very soon we will start the work of restraint. The work of restraint is critical there because it is raining already. We need to build the impoundment so we can finish the roadway. "

Bautista noted, however, that the initial schedule provided for the completion of CALAX by December 2020, so the time frame is still within these limits.

Laguna section of CALAX extends from Laguna Boulevard to Mamplasan, Biñan. It is expected that travel time between the two points will be reduced to 10 minutes from the current 20 minutes.

As for the Cavite segment, Mr. Villar said that construction should begin in the third quarter after a Certificate of Environmental Compliance (CEC) has been issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

"We will begin the initial construction this year. As soon as we have the ECC, we will start construction. We are just waiting for the writ of court possession, "he said.

He added that the right of way for the Cavite segment is expected for the middle of the year 2019.

The Cavite Segment of CALAX covers the 28-kilometer four-lane highway with bridges, interchanges, toll stations and ancillary facilities.

The CALAX Project is a 45.29-kilometer four-lane toll road that will connect the interchange South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) -Mamplasan to Cavite Highway (CAVITEx).

MPCALA Holdings, the toll unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is the government's private concessionaire for CALAX

MPIC is one of the three main Philippine units in Hong Kong First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings , Inc., a subsidiary of the Trust Fund beneficiary of the PLDT, holds a participating majority in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which he controls. – Denise A. Valdez