Neve Paritzki Jerusalem inaugurates Israels first cycling tunnel

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Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel offers a unique trail and riding experience to the benefit of

The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's newest bicycle tunnel, has been constructed as a part of an extensive cycle path that circles the capital.



The tunnel connects Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is within Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is just half a kilometer away from the Kerem junction.

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

Jerusalem was once a major tourist attraction due to its rich past. Today, apart from its historic treasures the city also offers modern tourism." Elkin said. "The inauguration of this tunnel project [is] another aspect of the growth of Jerusalem. It transforms Jerusalem into an attractive tourist place for all types of audience within Israel and around the world."

Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, explained that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the improvement of the tourism industry in Jerusalem and in the creation of new activities and ventures that connect the glorious historical past of our eternal capital to its future... I encourage cyclists to take advantage of a the modern, well-maintained cycle route, which overlooks the stunning nature of Old Jerusalem.

Around NIS 25 million were invested in the project. It was budgeted by the Elkin's Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, as well as the work done by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

"The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the goal to alter the notion of transportation across Jerusalem," Elkin stressed. "The tunnel, which is connected to the long Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect the existing bike paths in the city and those that will be paved in its various neighborhoods, in the hope of encouraging cycling among its residents and its visitors, and also in promoting the green revolution of transportation in Jerusalem."

The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the late 90s to relocate an important sewer line for the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is currently used as an infrastructure tunnel that includes the fifth waterline to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water corporation.

https://nevefrietzki.co.il/ "The Kerem tunnel is a vital tool in achieving the vision to transform Jerusalem's transportation system. "

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon

Construction of roads, installation, blowers, advanced safety systems , and electrical wiring are all part of the ongoing works. The tunnel will be safe for public to use throughout the entire year.

The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to unique recreation spots which include the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium, and the historical natural springs of Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.