Konted's Make My Day 2: The Grand Flyover at Commonwealth Avenue

The Grand Flyover at Commonwealth Avenue

We all have our own landmarks. They are markers or references which help us in establishing our location and provide us with driving directions. But these landmarks, at this age of fast infrastracture development, may not be there always. At the Old Balara in Quezon City, for instance, time was when traffic moved slowly at the narrow road leading to Commonwealth Avenue and to the other side, which is Tandang Sora and the adjacent areas. It used to be a bottleneck. There was this Glori Supermart near the junction.

Iglesia ni Cristo temple along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City (wikipic; caption is mine)

The Old Balara public swimming pool popular in the 60s and 70s. (manilanostalgiapic; caption is mine)

But times have changed. And the places as well. The road at the Old Balara has been widened and concreted. And just as one gets past Zuzuaregui Drive, an imposing and massive flyover looms on the horizon. This flyover has a span of 500 lineal meters from the Old Balara Road to Luzon Avenue, which is on the other side of Commonwealth Avenue. What seemed like an eternity in the past, it takes a motorist only a minute to traverse that P520 million overpass. It is an engineering feat. Kudos to the DPWH and the Quezon City local government.

The Commonwealth Flyover connects Old Balara to Luzon Avenue whch is on the other side of Commonwealth Avenue. (carnavipic; caption is mine)

Approaching Luzon Avenue which connects to Congressional Avenue Extension.(doctrinepic; caption is mine)

This overpass is a vital part of an ambitious government project that links South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). From Luzon Avenue, it connects to Congressional Avenue Extension leading to the NLEX. There is ongoing development in this major thoroughfare. There are gasoline stations, cafes and restaurants, car wash shops and other business establishments. Subdivisions like Tierra Pura, Mira Nila and Tierra Bella have opened secondary gates along the stretch of Congressional Avenue Extension.

This is part of Congressional Avenue Extension which leads to the North Luzon Expressway(NLEX).(rentpadpic; caption is mine)

The wide North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) (wnpic; caption is mine)

Tierra Pura is a first class subdivision along Congressional Avenue Extension. It has another gate at Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City. (homestrovitpic; caption is mine)

One of the principal roads of Tierra Pura. There are still available lots for sale. (homesmistulapic; caption is mine)

House and lot for sale at Mira Nila along Congressional Avenue Extension in Quezon City (homesmistulapic; caption is mine)

House at Tierra Bella (fallingrainpic; caption is mine)

Romy' s safe house in the vicinity of Congressional Avenue Extension

One commercial establishment along Congressional Avenue Extension is Brewing Point. It is a resto bar near the gates of Tierra Pura. Perched on an elevated ground and with clear see-through glass panels, one can enjoy whiling away the time with old friends, engaging in quiet conversation while savoring the much talked about food delights of the place. Yema Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake, name it, they've got it. Beef Salpicao with mashed potatoes, Gambas Fritas, Quesadillas and Pasta Bolognese are best sellers. And to cap the day, a bottle of good wine stimulates the senses, and memory alike, for that short trip down memory lane. You surely will enjoy. To the last drop. Even when the rain pours, even when thunder roars. For who cares about the weather when you are in good company?

- Konted