The CALAX concessionaire, MPCALA Holdings, has officially opened the 3.9-kilometer Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to the public, which ends at the Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, Cavite, after several postponements.
On November 8, 2023, the 3.9-kilometer CALAX exit marked the start of its operations and it is free of charge indefinitely. However, if driving from any of the former tollgates, drivers will only be debited until the Silang East Interchange.
This interchange is an important part of CALAX since it links the South Luzon Expressway and the Aguinaldo Highway directly, making it easy for people traveling further southwest to travel from their condo in Tagaytay to Batangas and back.
Furthermore, the inner and small barangays of Silang, such as Tibig and Munting Ilog, are spared for people who currently travel CALAX towards Tagaytay and Batangas, and come out at the Silang-East Interchange. In simple words, this will help save ten to fifteen minutes to any commuter by doing this.
Apart from that, it is also said that an additional 5,000 cars a day will be serviced by the Silang-Aguinaldo Interchange, freeing up Aguinaldo Highway and Silang from just passing through and directing them onto the highway for quicker travel times.
Few Other Benefits of the Newly Opened CALAX Silang Aguinaldo
1. A Much Simpler Weekend Trip to the South
The newly opened CALAX exit makes it easier than ever to visit well-known tourist spots like Tagaytay. Travelers can now explore Cavite and other nearby locations by taking advantage of the shorter trip time.
As the temperature drops and the holidays draw near, it should be expected that more people will travel to Tagaytay, the Philippines’ second summer capital, for relaxation and recharge. Some people could also be likely discover many possible properties where they could spend the most of their free time, such as a brand-new condo in Tagaytay with expansive views of Taal Lake.
On the other hand, your trip to Tagaytay will take roughly 20 minutes less if you’re going from Metro Manila and use the new CALAX Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange. This is in contrast to the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay route, which would need an additional thirty minutes of driving.
2. Reduced Travel Time
In relation to the aforementioned benefit above, the Silang Aguinaldo Exit’s ability to shorten time spent traveling is among its most obvious benefits. As per MHI, the section linking the operational stations of the expressway from Mamplasan in Biñan City, Laguna to Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, Cavite, would enhance the convenience of transportation for travelers.
Commuters may also reduce their travel greatly by avoiding blocked highways by offering a more direct path. This effectiveness plays a critical role in raising productivity and lowering stress levels related to long commutes.
The interchange basically reduces traffic by having well-located entry and departure points, providing a quicker and more convenient path.
3. Enhanced Connectivity
CALAX differs in that it is dedicated to enhancing connectivity. The Silang-Aguinaldo Interchange is an essential connection to other important expressways, such as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway, which extends beyond its local neighborhood. This link to the larger highway structure improves the region’s connectivity and encourages tourist and business ventures.
Moreover, the CALAX Silang-Aguinaldo Interchange’s accessibility to other important projects like the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road adds to its convenience. These connecting roads build an extensive network that crosses multiple areas, promoting economic development and enabling more convenient travel.
4. Increased Economic Benefit
In addition to directly benefiting travelers, CALAX Silang-Aguinaldo Interchange serves as crucial for promoting growth in the economy.
It promotes trade and commerce by making it easier for people and products to move around, which helps businesses succeed. Its efficiency and ease of use on the busy roadways would also likely draw additional companies and industries to the region, which further boosts its economy.
Likewise, easier access to popular tourist spots can support the local tourism sector and the economy. The interchange serves as a gateway for both leisure and commerce because of its convenient location between thriving urban areas and breathtaking landscapes.
Moreover, the CALAX Silang-Aguinaldo Interchange often offers an efficient route that avoids rush hour traffic, making your trip more enjoyable, whether you are traveling to your condo in Tagaytay for a weekend getaway or commuting to the Cavite Technopark for company operations.
5. A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Highway
Green expressways like the CALAX are part of the project owned by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), which aims to be environmentally friendly.
The integration of solar-powered toll plazas, carbon offsetting through tree planting, and the creation of biodiverse zones along CALAX are a few of the green projects being implemented in the highway.
Furthermore, it is believed that CALAX, which was constructed through a public-private partnership program, would soon grow even more, reaching a total length of 45 km by 2024 and including eight interchanges:
- Silang East
- Silang (Aguinaldo)
- Governor’s Drive
- Open Canal
- Kawit Interchange
- Laguna Technopark in Mamplasan
- Laguna Boulevard
- Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road
Over time, CALAX will smoothly connect the major areas for quicker, more convenient, more effective, and more comfortable travel down south by connecting to the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) in Kawit.
Since the CALAX Expressway will provide a vital connection to Metro Manila and the rest of Calabarzon, MPCALA believes that it will have a significant positive impact on property values, tourism, and local enterprises in Cavite as well as beyond.
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Bottom Line
In conclusion, the new CALAX Silang Aguinaldo Exit is an evidence of continuous attempts to improve the quality of the Philippines’ transportation system. Its advantages go well beyond practicality—it also affects economy, sustainability of the environment, and connectivity. This expressway’s ongoing development and expansion anticipates a time when people will look at efficient travel in the future rather than merely as a luxury.
To put it simply, CALAX is a representation of advancement and the country’s dedication to building a better, more interconnected future. The opening of the Silang Aguinaldo Exit is a concrete step toward a more accessible and prosperous future.