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Neve ParitzkiJerusalem: Israel's First Cycling Tunnel opens

Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel offers a unique trail and riding experience to the benefit of
The Kerem Tunnel, the first cycle tunnel in Israel is now open as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle route that circles Jerusalem, Israel's capital city.

The tunnel runs along the Nahal Refaim-Emek Mostza path. Its southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban and its northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem, about half a mile close to the Kerem junction.

נווה פריצקי The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was officially inaugurated at a formal ceremony on Thursday attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'ev Elkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov and hundreds of cyclists.

נווה פריצקי The city's rich history was a reason why it was an extremely popular tourist destination during the time of its glory. נווה פריצקי Elkin stated that the present, in addition to its historical treasures the tunnel project encompasses modern day tourism. "The launch of the tunnel project is another part of the expansion of Jerusalem as a city. נווה פריצקי Jerusalem as well as its development into a desirable city that is attractive to all types of audiences throughout Israel as well as around the world."

Elkin who, along with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, said the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the development of the tourism industry in Jerusalem and the development of new tourist attractions and ventures that link the fascinating history of our capital city's eternal past to the future of Jerusalem... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IARj0i5sZlw I would like to invite you to ride your bicycles on a scenic and well-maintained road that overlooks Old Jerusalem.

The project was financed by the Elkin's department as well as the Tourism Ministry. It also included the budgets for the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation. The project was done by the Jerusalem Development Authority.


Elkin said that the Kerem Tunnel project was a crucial element in achieving the goal of shifting the idea of transport throughout Jerusalem. "The new tunnel, which will connect with the Jerusalem Ring Path, will join the existing cycle paths within the city as well as those that are being constructed in its diverse areas. The tunnel is intended to encourage bicycle riding within its inhabitants, and also to encourage an environmentally sustainable transportation system in Jerusalem."

The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the 90s to move the main sewer line of the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is currently used as an infrastructure Tunnel which also includes the fifth line of water that runs to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water corporation.

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

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
The work currently in progress includes road construction, installation of blowers, as well as advanced security and electrical systems to ensure the tunnel is safe for the public to pass through at all times of the year.

The Kerem Tunnel provides access to exclusive recreation spots, including Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo as also the historical natural springs Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.

Website: https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1439018