Motorists that frequently travel between Laguna and Cavite can now use the newly-opened section of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

After months of construction, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), opened the Silang East Interchange segment of CALAX. With it, the expressway's operational section now spans from 10 km to 14.24 km.

An inaugural ceremony was held earlier this morning led by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar. Other key persons present during the opening ceremony included DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, Mayor Corazon Poblete of Silang, Cavite, and Metro Pacific Tollways (MPT) South president/general manager Robert V. Bontia.

The opening of the new Silang East Interchange means motorists can now travel from Mamplasan in Binan, Laguna up to Silang East, exiting at Tibig Road in Silang. The DPWH estimates that 5,000 motorists will benefit from the new segment. Moreover, it will help decongest traffic coming from Governor's Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, and Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road.

With the new Silang segment now open to motorists, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved the new toll rates in CALAX. Class 1 toll rates now range between PHP 14 to PHP 64, while Class 2 rates span from PHP 29 to PHP 128. Last but not least, Class 3 vehicles will now have to pay between PHP 43 and PHP 192.

Upon completion of the entire CALAX project, the expressway will measure a total of 45km and will have several interchanges located at the following locations: Kawit, Governor’s Drive, Open Canal, Silang (Aguinaldo) Highway, Silang East, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay, Laguna Boulevard, and Laguna Technopark. It's will cut travel time between Cavite and Laguna from 2 hours to under an hour.