Neve Paritzki The first tunnel for cycling in Israel is inaugurated in Jerusalem
The Kerem Tunnel offers a unique riding and hiking experience for the benefit of
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's newest bicycle tunnel, has been opened as part the 42-kilometer cycle route which is a loop around the capital.
The tunnel links the paths between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban while the northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem, about half a kilometer from the Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was inaugurated during a celebration held on Thursday that was attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'ev Elkin Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov as well as hundreds of cyclists.
Jerusalem was once a popular tourist destination because of its historical past. Today, apart from its historic treasures the city also offers modern-day tourism." Elkin said. "The inauguration (of [this] tunnel project is a further step in the expansion of Jerusalem, and its transformation into a desirable city to visit for all kinds of visitors throughout Israel as well as across the world."
Elkin's ministry, which also headed the project alongside Jerusalem Municipality, stated that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels annually in all aspects of Jerusalem's tourism industry and is involved in developing exciting attractions and ventures which connect the glorious historic past of our eternal capital and its future." I would like to invite cyclists to visit and enjoy the modern and well-maintained cycle route that takes in the unique scenery of Old Jerusalem."
A total of NIS 25 million was invested in the project. It was budgeted by the Elkin's Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, and the work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
Elkin said that the Kerem Tunnel project is an crucial tool to realize the vision to change the way of thinking and transport throughout Jerusalem. "The tunnel, which is being constructed to connect to Jerusalem Ring Path will join the existing bike paths as well as ones that are paved in its neighborhoods. The goal is to encourage biking among the residents of Jerusalem and encourage the green revolution in transport in the capital."
The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 in order to transfer the main sewers of Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. The plant is located west of Sorek and is still used as an infrastructure tunnel.
"The Kerem tunnel is a key tool to realize the vision to transform Jerusalem's transport system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
To make the tunnel usable to the public all year round, the works include road construction, as well as installation of blowers.
Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel provides access to unique recreation locations, including Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo , as well the historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban Ein Laban, and Ein Haniyeh. נווה פריצקי
