10-km segment of CALAEx expected to open this month —DPWH

The first 10 kilometers of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAEx) is expected to be opened to motorists by the end of October, according to Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar on Tuesday.

"Ito pong segment ay sampung kilometro. Magsisimula po dito sa Mamplasan at ang dulo niya ay Sta. Rosa," Villar said in an interview on GMA News' Unang Balita.

This represents about one-fourth of the whole 45-km CALAEx.

He added that this segment could ease travel time for those en route to Tagaytay. Instead of exiting the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) at Sta. Rosa and going through the traffic in the commercial area, motorists can use CALAEx.

"So kung galing po kayo sa SLEX, kung pupunta kayo sa Tagaytay, puwede niyong gamitin ito. Papasok kayo sa Mamplasan ang labas niyo lampas na ng commercial area ng Sta. Rosa at mayroon ding exit sa Laguna Boulevard," Villar said.

The exit would be nearer Silang, Cavite, he said.

Toll fee would range between P40 to P50.

However, toll fees would be waived in the first few weeks of operation.

Villar expressed optimism that this portion of the CALAEx would be operational this month as he said the construction team is already working on the finishing touches.

The Department of Public Works and Highways targets to complete the whole 45-kilometer expressway in 2021. It is seen to benefit 10,000 motorists daily.

According to Villar, CALAEx was designed to connect Cavite to Laguna and shorten the usual two-hour travel time to only 45 minutes. —Jonathan Andal/Dona Magsino/KG, GMA News