Today, September 28, 2012, Araneta Ave-Quezon Ave underpass aka C3-Quezon Ave Tunnel opens doors to the public. Commuters and motorists celebrate as the approximately 15-month stressful traffic in the intersection of Araneta Ave and Quezon Ave caused by the underpass construction that started June of last year has finally come to an end. It was a long wait and the daily traffic jam have had put patience of drivers and commuters to the test.
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| G Araneta-Quezon Ave Underpass |
The much awaited opening of Php 430 million peso government project which aimed to improve traffic situation in the area was inaugurated by no less than President Benigno Nonoy Aquino III. Prior to opening day, clamors of jeepney drivers and private car owners were seen on prime time news as the project couldn't open yet even if it's already finished as of last week. Well, that's the way it goes folks. We have schedule to follow. What can I say, the tunnel is now passable. And since the underpass is already operational, let's enjoy the ride to our work or school whether by commuting or driving. As for me, I'm now excited to have "Araneta Ave-Quezon Ave Underpass" on my upcoming posts in giving you guys directions and guides in your daily commute and drive.
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| G Araneta Underpass vertical clearance is 5.2 meters |
With the Araneta Ave-Quezon Ave Underpass now completed and it will be known simply as G Araneta Underpass, a motorist headed to Philcoa, Quezon City Memorial Circle or Quezon City Hall can now go and take the whole stretch of Quezon Ave from Welcome Rotunda without the worry of getting stuck in the traffic. For those who drive big trucks and other tall vehicles, vertical clearance of Araneta Underpass is 5.2 meters only. So, check the height of your vehicle before passing through the tunnel to avoid accident. We've seen scores of accident in the roads which involved overhead structures and tall transport trucks with drivers that overlooked height limit.
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| Traffic in Quezon Ave before Araneta Underpass opens |
This photo shows the volume of traffic along Quiapo bound lane of Quezon Ave prior to the opening of the underpass. Look at that! The tail-end of this traffic jam was extended beyond Caltex Station located before the bridge of San Juan River. And it's taken on a Sunday. I took it myself on Sept 23. Went there, strolled the entire EDSA-bound lane of the tunnel and backed via Quiapo-bound lane taking some pictures. C3-Quezon Ave Underpass has four lanes, two on each of the opposite directions.
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Araneta Ave-Quezon Ave Tunnel Inauguration
- Sept 28, 2012. Photo taken 5 days before the inaugural |
The completion of Araneta Ave-Quezon Ave Underpass makes the total number of tunnels along Quezon Ave to two. EDSA-Quezon Ave Underpass project has been operational ever since I wasn't born yet. LOL. That's a joke. I was still not a Manilenio when it got opened. So, which intersection is next? Hopefully, they also build a tunnel in Lacson-Espana intersection. I think everybody agrees when I say that's another traffic hotspot. And can you imagine if there's already a "Lacson-Espana Underpass"? The commute and drive time involved in going to school and work? Whoa! That would be amazing. It's gonna be a whole lot of comfort for drivers as driving from UST to Commonwealth Ave via Espana and Quezon Ave would be in a breeze. I just hope it materialize. And I'm gonna be the first one to publish a blog entry with the title - "Lacson Ave-Espana Blvd Underpass Opens Today".
