CIC eyes to complete 2 new CAVITEX-C5 link Expressway segments in Q2

Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), the concessionaire of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX),  is targeting to complete the construction of two new segments of the CAVITEX-C5 Link Expressway in the second quarter of this year.

In a statement on Tuesday, CIC said it doubled its construction efforts for the new segments of the project in the start of 2021.

CIC said part of the ongoing works include foundation works and other mobilization activities at Segment 3A-2 at MIAA area; while ground improvements at Segment 2 at Sucat Interchange and R-1.

"We are doubling our efforts on the construction of Segment 2 and Segment 3A-2 this beginning of 2021. With the challenges brought about by the pandemic, we will ensure to stick to the timeline as close as we can and be able to open the new segments in CAVITEX C5 Link next year," said Roberto Bontia, CIC president and general manager.

The construction activities has an average of 200 manpower daily working and is 24/7 operational, the company said.

CIC said it ensures the safety of these workers against COVID-19 by strictly following the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the National Government's directives on health protocols.

C5 Link Expressway is composed of Segments 2 and 3.

Segment 2 is a 1.9-kilometer, 2x3 lane expressway from CAVITEX (R1) Expressway to a proposed interchange at Sucat Segment 3A-2, a subsection of Segment 3 is a 1.6-kilometer, 2x3 lane expressway from Merville to RSG Airport View Subdivision in Parañaque.

Upon completion, the P15-billion project is expected to serve 50,000 cars and reduce travel time to Makati and Taguig from Parañaque City, Las Pinas City, and Cavite Province from an hour to about 10 minutes, and play a huge role in economic development.

CIC said it is set to conduct heavy maintenance in CAVITEX.

Mobilization will start this February 27, 2021 and will last for 60 days, it said.

“There will definitely be an effect on the passage of our motorists in the construction areas, that is why we have laid out a comprehensive traffic management plan supporting all these works to ease their passage and additional on-ground support and more than ample signages will also be positioned to ensure safety and smooth flow of vehicles,” Bontia said.

“We are working together with our JV partner the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the PEATC on the implementation of the traffic management activities at Cavitex R1 segment,” he added.

CIC is a subsidiary of MPTC, the tollways arm of infrastructure holdings conglomerate, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

Aside from the CAVITEX, CAVITEX-C5 Link Expressway and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx), MPTC’s portfolio includes the concessions for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the NLEx Connector Road, and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEx) in Cebu. — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA News