First Phase of C-5 South Link Project to Open by March 2019

The first phase of C5 South Link Expressway will be operational by March 2019--three months ahead of its planned delivery date on June next year.

"CIC is nearly halfway in terms of construction accomplishment. They are currently working on the 2.2-kilometer Segment 3A-1 from SLEX/C5 Road to Merville, crossing on top of PNR station by the Skyway at grade between Nichols Toll Plaza and Bicutan. We expect to complete this segment by March 2019," according to Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar.

When completely finished, the C5 South Link Project will connect the Manila–Cavite Expressway or Coastal Road in Parañaque City to Circumferential Road 5 (C-5) in Taguig City.

Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said that around 75 percent of the right-of-way has already been resolved for the first phase. However, some are still being processed--particularly seven structures of Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and five structures of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Na-resolve 'yung right of way at MIAA. So we're able to access that. Syempre 'yung mga ganitong projects kasi you just have to push the contractor… So contractually they have to finish in June, pero sabi namin agahan natin, (We already resolved the right of way at MIAA. So we’re able to access that. Of course, in project like these, you just have to push the contractor…So contractually, they have to finish in June, but we told them to finish earlier)" CIC President Luigi L. Bautista told reporters.

C-5 South Link Project

The government hopes that the 10-billion, 7.7 km toll road will cut the travel time of Paranaque, Cavite, and Las Piñas motorists heading to Taguig from an hour to 20-30 minutes.

The first phase, which covers the first 2.2 kilometers from the C5 road to Merville, is to be completed on the first quarter of 2019. Meanwhile, the second phase from Merville to Sucat will possibly be opened by 2019 as well. The third phase, which stretches from Sucat to R1 Expressway, is expected to be opened by 2020.

"We'll open another phase by 2019, then we'll open another phase by 2020…. Pero at least, as early as next year, first quarter, mapapakinabangan na itong C5 link, (But at least, as early as first quarter of next year, we will get to utilize the C5 link)" Villar said.