Neve Paritzki The first cycle tunnel in Israel opens in Jerusalem

From Mozilla Foundation
Jump to: navigation, search

The Kerem Tunnel is a great location to go on a hike or ride.

The Kerem Tunnel, the first bicycle tunnel in Israel was opened in the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycling route that surrounds the capital city.

The tunnel is located along the Nahal Refaim-Emek Motza route. Its southern entrance is in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban while the northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem, about one kilometer away from the Kerem junction.



The 2.1-kilometer long tunnel was opened on Thursday, by Jerusalem and heritage minister Ze'ev Elkin as well as Mayor Moshe Lion. Avi Baleshnikov of Gihon the chairman of Gihon as well as a multitude of cyclists also attended.

Jerusalem was once a very sought-after tourist destination due to its rich history. Nowadays, aside from its historic treasures it also has modern-day tourism," Elkin said. "The launch of the tunnel project is another part of the growth of Jerusalem's city Jerusalem as well as its development into a dazzling tourist destination for all kinds of visitors in Israel and around the world."

Elkin who's ministry in charge of the project with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry has invested thousands of shekels each year in the development of Jerusalem's tourism and also in the creation of new ventures and attractions that will connect the magnificent historical past with the exciting future of Jerusalem. I encourage cyclists to come and enjoy an up-to-date and well-maintained cycling route that offers a view of the unique nature of Old Jerusalem."

Elkin's Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality and Gihon Corporation contributed approximately NIS 25,000,000 to the project. The project was executed by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin declared that the Kerem Tunnel project was a key tool in realizing the dream of changing the concept for transport throughout Jerusalem. "The tunnel, which is connected to the long Jerusalem Ring Path, will join existing bike pathways in the city, as well as the ones that will be laid in its various neighborhoods, to encourage cycling among the city's residents as well as its visitors, and also in promoting the green transportation revolution in the capital city."

The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 to move the main sewer from Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. The plant is located west of Sorek and is currently used as an infrastructure tunnel.

"The Kerem Tunnel project is a central tool to realize the vision of transforming Jerusalem's transportation model. "

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lon

The works currently underway include road construction, installation of blowers as well as modern security and electrical systems in order to ensure that the tunnel is secure for pedestrians to travel through throughout the year.

נווה פריצקי The Kerem Tunnel gives you access to numerous places to relax, including Ein Kerem Neighborhood, the Biblical Zoo and Aquarium, and also historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh or Ein Laban.