Cavit ex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) is on track to complete two more segments of the P15-billion Cavitex C5 Link project by next year, amid the challenges of stricter lockdown due to the pandemic.
CIC, together with its joint venture (JV) partner Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), announced that the project is now 20 percent complete.
Cavitex C5 Link is a 7.7-kilometer 2×3 lane expressway that will connect Cavitex Radial Road 1 (R1) to Circumferential Road 5 (C5) in Taguig.
Since 2019, C5 Link segment 3A-1 connecting Merville to C5 Road has been operational, while construction of segment 3A-2 stretching from E. Rodriguez to Merville and segment 2 from Cavitex R1 Interchange to Sucat Interchange are underway.
In a virtual press briefing, Roberto Bontia, CIC president and general manager, said segment 3A-2 and segment 2 are now 30 percent and 17 percent complete, and are set to be finished by the first quarter and fourth quarter of next year, respectively.
The right of way acquired for segment 3A-2 stood at 99 percent and 82 percent for segment 2, Bontia said.
CIC also said construction of segment 3B from Sucat to E. Rodriguez is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022 and is slated to be completed by fourth quarter of 2023.
“We are proceeding with the construction for this vital infrastructure project amidst the challenges of stricter lockdown.
Together with our JV partner, PRA, we are committed to ensure the welfare of our workers and adherence to safety protocols in continuing the works for the project,” said Bontia.
Part of the ongoing road works include ground improvement, concrete pouring, construction of slab deck, drainage system and bridge substructure works.
Once completed, the Cavitex C5 Link will reduce travel time between Cavitex to Makati and Taguig and vice versa by 30 to 45 minutes. It is seen to benefit around 50,000 motorists, particularly those coming from Taguig, Makati, Las Piñas and Pasay.
The project is not only seen to ease traffic congestion in these areas but will also spur economic development crucial in the country’s efforts to move towards a new normal.
In addition, CIC will install the automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras in toll plazas of Cavitex to improve the radio frequency identification (RFID) toll collection system in the expressway.
The ALPR system uses smart cameras to recognize a vehicle’s license plate, supporting RFID scanners to fast-track cashless transactions in toll plazas. This technology has been in place at Cavitex C5 Link segment 3A1 since its opening.
Meanwhile, the company will also construct an expressway that will connect Cavitex to the Cavite-Laguna Expressway for P2 billion.
The project will start from the Cavitex in Kawit, Cavite and end at the South Luzon Expressway-Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna. – Myla Iglesias
