DPWH to complete right-of-way acquisition for CALAX Silang Interchange in Q1

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is targeting to complete its acquisition of right-of-way for a segment of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

To recall, CALAX operator and developer MPCALA Holdings Inc. said the completion of CALAX Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange has been delayed due to right-of-way issues with the target date being moved several times, with the latest being December of 2022 again uncertain.

To date, the subsection of the CALAX is 64% completed.

Asked when the DPWH eyes to resolve the right-of-way issues in the CALAX segment, DPWH director of public-private partnership service Alex Bote said, “[We] target to complete up to Aguinaldo is first quarter next year.”

“We only have two remaining properties for acquisition, but that’s already in court for some time,” Bote said in a text message.

Silang Mayor Kevin Anarna said that the local government will intervene in resolving the right-of-way issues hounding the completion of the CALAX segment.

“Meeting will be held between DPWH and LGU this week regarding that,” Bote said.

“We’re preparing a letter to the Office of Court Admin to fasttrack the acquisition process,” he added.

The Silang subsection of CALAX is the fifth of the eight segments of the 45-kilometer (km) toll road.

The segment spans at 3.9 kilometers with 2x2 lane expressway from Silang East Interchange to Aguinaldo Highway in Cavite.

Upon completion, the subsection will serve more motorists given the reduced traffic situation. Current average daily traffic is 33,000 from Mamplasan to Silang East interchange.—AOL, GMA Integrated News