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Cavite–Laguna Expressway

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Cavite–Laguna Expressway
Map of expressways in Luzon, with Cavite–Laguna Expressway marked in orange
CALAX Laguna Blvd 2024-06-09.jpg
The expressway northbound in Biñan, June 2024
Route information
Maintained by MPCALA Holdings Incorporated
Length44.63 km (27.73 mi)
(includes the currently operational 17.4-kilometer (10.8 mi) segment)
Existed2019–present
Component
highways		 E3
Restrictions
  • Motorcycles below 400cc[1]
Major junctions
West end N410 (Aguinaldo Highway) in Silang, Cavite
Major intersections N420 (Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Road) in Santa Rosa, Laguna
East end AH 26 (E2) (South Luzon Expressway) / Greenfield Parkway / LIIP Avenue in Biñan
Future
West end E3 (CAVITEX–CALAX Link) in Kawit, Cavite
Major intersections
Location
CountryPhilippines
ProvincesCavite and Laguna
Major citiesImus, Dasmariñas, General Trias, Biñan, and Santa Rosa
TownsKawit and Silang
Highway system
  • Roads in the Philippines

The Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX[2][3][4] or CALAEX), signed as E3 of the Philippine expressway network,[a] is a partially operational controlled-access toll expressway in the provinces of Cavite and Laguna, Philippines. The construction of the 44.63-kilometer-long (27.73 mi) expressway, which began in June 2017, costs an estimated ₱35.43 billion.[5] Once completed, it will connect the Manila–Cavite Expressway in Kawit to the South Luzon Expressway in Biñan and is expected to ease the traffic congestion in the Cavite–Laguna area, particularly along the Aguinaldo Highway, Governor's Drive, and the Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Road.[6]

Route description

[edit]
The expressway's eastern terminus at Mamplasan in Biñan, Laguna
The expressway in Silang, Cavite

CALAX begins as the Mamplasan Rotunda, a roundabout intersecting with South Luzon Expressway's Greenfield City-Unilab (Mamplasan) Exit, LIIP Avenue, and Greenfield Parkway in Biñan.[7] It continues west, then makes a reverse curve to the southwest through the future Greenfield City Biñan development.[8] It enters the Laguna Boulevard right of way near the boulevard's intersection with Greenfield Parkway. It approaches the first toll plaza near the Verdana Homes gated community and continues southwest, passing through a mix of developed and undeveloped areas at barangays Loma, Timbao and Malamig, then turning south into barangay Biñan, where it passes near Laguna Technopark, De La Salle University – Laguna Campus and several gated communities; access for them is provided by service roads. The expressway partially runs above grade, utilizing underpass bridges, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, and a viaduct at this section to pass above major intersections and accesses.

Entering Santa Rosa, CALAX descends into grade level to cross the Silang–Santa Rosa River and clear a power line, then gently curves to the southwest to follow the Nuvali Boulevard right of way, where the expressway ascends above grade again to pass over South Boulevard, served by the Laguna Boulevard Exit. Past the exit, it leaves the Nuvali Boulevard right of way and crosses the Silang–Santa Rosa River again, this time the Cavite–Laguna provincial boundary into Silang. It makes another reverse curve through cornfields to the Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Exit, a trumpet interchange which leads to Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Road.

The expressway continues southwest and makes a few turns before traversing a bridge and entering a cut section, passing near South Forbes Golf City and Ayala Westgrove Heights. It turns northwest and passes under Tibig Road, passing by Silang East Exit, a diamond interchange which leads to Tibig-Kaong Road. Then, it runs for 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) until it reaches its current terminus at Silang (Aguinaldo) interchange, which provides access to Aguinaldo Highway. Its section from there to Kawit, where it will be linked to the Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) via the elevated CAVITEX–CALAX Link.[9]

History

[edit]

Planning and development

[edit]
First CALAX logo, still used alternatively
CALAEX logo variant, also used alternatively

In the 1990s and 2000s, the original plan for the expressway was Segment 5 of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP) under the 11.3-kilometer (7.0 mi) R-1 Expressway Extension, when Cavite was going to transform into a highly industrialized province, which was conceptualized by Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 1988 when she proposed the implementation of the Cavite Trade and Industry Plan. The segment would have been a 4.3-kilometer (2.7 mi) extension from Kawit, connecting to the existing Segment 4 to Noveleta that was also proposed in 2004.[10][11] However, the 1-kilometer (0.62 mi) portion was absorbed into the planned link between CAVITEX and CALAX (CAVITEX–CALAX Link).

In 2006, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a study on the CALA East-West National Road. JICA later conducted another study, this time on the master plan of the High Standard Highway Network (HSH) in 2010, which included the expressway project. In 2012, JICA also conducted a study for the expressway that proposed building the Laguna section.[12]

The original plan was that the project had to be financed through two funding schemes: the official development assistance (ODA) would have funded the portion of the Laguna section, while the public-private partnership (PPP) would handle the construction of the Cavite section. The project would later be revised as a PPP scheme, approved by President Benigno Aquino III on January 18, 2013.[13]

Construction and groundbreaking

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Construction of underpass along Nuvali Boulevard in Santa Rosa (May 2018)

In November 2013, four pre-qualified bidders were vying for CALAX: Alloy MTD Philippines Inc.; Team Orion, the consortium of AC Infrastructure Holdings Inc., AboitizLand, Inc., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings Philippines; MPCALA Holdings Inc.; and Optimal Infrastructure Development Inc. of San Miguel Corporation.[14]

On June 12, 2014, Team Orion, the joint venture of Ayala Corporation and Aboitiz Equity Ventures, won the bid, placing a concession payment of ₱11.659 billion for the project. Optimal Infrastructure was disqualified because its bid security fell short of the 180 days required by the government. Its bid envelope specified a financial bid of ₱20.105 billion.[15][16] The bidding became controversial, and in October of that year, Ayala and Aboitiz expressed disappointment over the government when they bidded again.[17][18]

The Office of the President has finally decided to rebid the project[19] until then and re-approve it on February 17, 2015.[20] MPCALA Holdings, the consortium led by Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and its subsidiary, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), won by submitting a concession premium of ₱27.3 billion to be paid to the government. This is higher than San Miguel's bid of ₱22.2 billion.[21]

The project's groundbreaking occurred on June 19, 2017, and right-of-way acquisition continues as of October 2017.[22] According to a statement by MPCALA Holdings President Luigi Bautista, construction of the Cavite portion of the expressway was expected to begin in April 2018.[23] The groundbreaking ceremony for the Cavite segment was eventually held on March 27, 2019.[24][25][26][27] Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways, then headed by Secretary Mark Villar, expected the Laguna segment to be opened by October 2019.[28] The Laguna segment became fully operational, while the Cavite segment is still undergoing construction. Both segments were expected to be fully operational and completed by 2022[29] but were delayed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic[30] and again to 2025 due to construction delays.[31][32]

Partial opening and gradual extensions

[edit]
Aerial view of CALAX in Silang, Cavite

The first section of the expressway between Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan and Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Road was made accessible on October 30, 2019, in time for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. However, its length is conflicting, with Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation stating it as 8.9 kilometers (5.5 mi) while news outlets report it as 10 kilometers (6.2 mi). The entry and exit points at each end were opened to serve an estimated 10,000 cars. According to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, this would cut travel time from 45 minutes to 10 minutes.[33][34] However, the segment was supposed to be operational back in December 2018 or by February 2019.[35]

The expressway was closed from January 28 to 31 and February 4 to 7, 2020, from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM (PST) to give way for construction and clearing operations due to ashfalls brought on by the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption.[36][37]

On August 18, 2020, the Laguna Technopark and Laguna Boulevard Exits in Biñan and Santa Rosa, respectively, were opened to the public.[38]

On August 24, 2021, the 6-kilometer (3.7 mi) section leading to the Silang East interchange in Silang, Cavite was opened to the public[39] two months behind its initial June 2021 opening.[40] Meanwhile, the section leading to the Silang (Aguinaldo) interchange opened to motorists on November 8, 2023,[41] two months behind its initial September opening.[42]

Toll

[edit]
Greenfield Toll Plaza

Cavite–Laguna Expressway is a closed road system in which motorists pay a toll based on their vehicle class and distance travelled. Toll collection is done upon exit.[43][44] Easytrip Services Corporation operates the electronic toll collection (ETC) system on the expressway, and collections are done on mixed lanes at the toll barriers.

Under the law, all toll rates include a 12% value-added tax.

In 2023, the tollway system between Greenfield and Santa Rosa–Tagaytay toll plazas initiated a two-month dry-run of contactless tolling operations.[45][46][47]

Class Toll
Class 1
(Cars, Motorcycles, SUVs, Jeepneys) 		₱4.656/km
Class 2
(Buses, Light Trucks) 		₱9.368/km
Class 3
(Heavy Trucks) 		₱14.023/km

Exits

[edit]

This entire route is located in Calabarzon. Exits will be numbered by kilometer posts, with Rizal Park in Manila designated as kilometer zero. 

ProvinceCity/MunicipalitykmmiExitNameDestinationsNotes
CaviteKawitKawit E3 (CAVITEX–CALAX Link) / N64 (Antero Soriano Highway) – Bacoor, KawitTrumpet interchange; future western terminus; continues as E3 (CAVITEX–CALAX Link)
Kawit Toll Plaza
ImusOpen CanalOpen Canal Road – Imus, General Trias, Lancaster New CityTrumpet interchange
General TriasGovernor's Drive N65 (Governor's Drive) – General Trias, Trece MartiresTrumpet interchange
DasmariñasNo major junctions
SilangSilang (Aguinaldo) N410 (Aguinaldo Highway) – Silang, Dasmariñas, TagaytayTrumpet interchange; current western terminus
5132Silang EastTibig–Kaong Road – Silang, General Mariano AlvarezDiamond interchange
5735Santa Rosa–Tagaytay (Santa Rosa City) N420 (Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Road) – Santa RosaTrumpet interchange
LagunaSanta RosaLaguna BoulevardNuvali Boulevard, South Boulevard – Laguna Technopark Gates 1 & 2, Nuvali, InchicanDiamond interchange
BiñanLaguna TechnoparkLaguna Technopark Gate 3Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
Greenfield Toll Plaza[48]
Greenfield ParkwayEastbound exit only
Mamplasan AH 26 (E2) (SLEX) / Greenfield Parkway / LIIP Avenue – Manila, Biñan, LIIP, CalambaRoundabout; eastern terminus
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ CALAX is signed as Expressway 3 (E3) according to an emergency telephone box along the expressway.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "CALAX to begin charging toll". MotoPinas.com. February 10, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  2. ^ "Construction of Cavite-Laguna Expressway on schedule". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  3. ^ "Work on Calax seen on track". BusinessMirror. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  4. ^ "Calax project ahead of schedule". Manila Standard. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  5. ^ "Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX)". PPP Center.
  6. ^ "CALA Expressway – Laguna side section". Department of Public Works and Highways. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  7. ^ "Road and Bridge Inventory". Department of Public Works and Highways. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  8. ^ "Future Development". Greenfield Development Corporation. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  9. ^ Cervantes, Filane Mikee (June 21, 2024). "PBBM: Cavitex links seen to ease traffic flow in Greater Manila". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  10. ^ "GMA pursues promise of 16 yrs through coastal road extension". Philippine Daily Inquirer. February 7, 2004. pp. A15.
  11. ^ "Pres. Gloria presides over Groundbreaking rites for Cavite Coastal Road Extension". Philippine Daily Inquirer. February 7, 2004. pp. B14.
  12. ^ "PREPARATORY SURVEY FOR EXPRESSWAY PROJECTS IN MEGA MANILA REGION CAVITE - LAGUNA EXPRESSWAY (CALAX) PROJECT DRAFT FINAL REPORT" (PDF). Japan International Cooperation Agency. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  13. ^ "NEDA Board approves 5 infrastructure and social development projects worth P147B". Official Gazette. January 18, 2013. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  14. ^ "DPWH Meets Four Prequalified Bidders for ₱35.42-Billion CALAX Project". PPP Center.
  15. ^ "Ayala-Aboitiz joint venture submits highest bid for CALAEX project". GMA News. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  16. ^ "DPWH disqualifies SMC in CALAX bid: Conglomerate vows to pursue all legal remedies to stop opening of bids today". The Philippine Star. June 13, 2014.
  17. ^ "On Calax and the DAP". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 26, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  18. ^ "Ayala-Aboitiz tandem disappointed over Palace decision to rebid CALAX". The Philippine Star. November 26, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  19. ^ "Malacañang orders rebid of Cavite-Laguna expressway project". Rappler. November 24, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  20. ^ De Vera, Ben O. (February 17, 2015). "Neda OKs Calax rebid, 5 projects". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  21. ^ "Metro Pacific submits top bid for CALAX project". ABS-CBN News. May 26, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  22. ^ "Cavite-Laguna (CALA) Expressway Project". DPWH PPP Center. Department of Public Works and Highways. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
  23. ^ "Cavite toll road construction to start". The Manila Standard. April 9, 2018. Archived from the original on April 12, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  24. ^ Marasigan, Lorenz S. "Calaex breaks ground for P12-billion Cavite segment". BusinessMirror. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  25. ^ Pino, Gladys (March 28, 2019). "Construction of CALAEX begins". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  26. ^ Rey, Aika (March 27, 2019). "Construction of CALAEX Cavite segment starts". Rappler. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  27. ^ "DPWH breaks ground for CALAX Cavite segment". The Philippine Star. March 30, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  28. ^ "DPWH says Laguna side of Calax finished by December". Manila Standard. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  29. ^ Esmael, Lisbet (March 11, 2021). "Portion of Cavite-Laguna expressway to open in Q3". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  30. ^ Rey, Aika (April 30, 2021). "CALAX completion delayed to Q1 2023 due to COVID-19". Rappler. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  31. ^ Piad, Tyrone Jasper C. (April 3, 2023). "Fresh delays push Calax completion to next year". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  32. ^ Piad, Tyrone Jasper C. (June 28, 2024). "MPTC unit aims to resolve Calax right of way issues this year". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  33. ^ Tuquero, Loreben (October 22, 2019). "Cavite-Laguna Expressway passable by October 30 – DPWH". Rappler. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  34. ^ Balinbin, Arjay L. (October 22, 2019). "Laguna section of CALAX due to open at end of October". BusinessWorld. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  35. ^ Dela Paz, Chrisee (February 8, 2018). "First phase of Cavite-Laguna Expressway to open in December". Rappler. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  36. ^ "CALAX on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on April 27, 2022.[user-generated source]
  37. ^ Laurel, Drei (January 23, 2020). "CALAX to be temporarily closed for construction and clearing operations". Top Gear Philippines. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  38. ^ Abadilla, Emmie V. (August 18, 2020). "CALAX Laguna segment interchanges open today". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  39. ^ Abadilla, Emmie V. (August 24, 2021). "CALAX Silang East Interchange opens". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  40. ^ Unite, Betheena (May 11, 2021). "30-minute drive from SLEX to Silang shapes up with June opening of new CALAX section". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  41. ^ Yu, Lance Spencer (November 7, 2023). "CALAX Silang Aguinaldo Interchange to open November 8". Rappler. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  42. ^ Regalado, Pia (August 3, 2023). "Get to Tagaytay Faster When the CALAX Silang-Aguinaldo Interchange Opens in September". spot.ph. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  43. ^ "CALAX". Toll Regulatory Board. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  44. ^ Aquino, Roselle (February 7, 2020). "Cavite-Laguna Expressway to collect tolls starting Feb. 10". Philippine News Agency.
  45. ^ Salapantan, Pablo (October 13, 2023). "Starting October 15, NLEX Balintawak and CALAX will be RFID only". YugaAuto. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  46. ^ lkyu0285 (August 17, 2023). "Dry run of contactless toll collection for expressways starts September 1". RAPPLER. Retrieved November 27, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  47. ^ Parungao, Adrian (October 12, 2023). "More toll plazas in NLEx, Calax to have contactless toll collection dry run". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  48. ^ Rfid only in Nlex,Sctex,Calax Ready. CALAX. August 19, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
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