Notes

Neve Paritzki (נווה פריצקי)Israel's first cycling tunnel opens in Jerusalem

The Kerem Tunnel offers an unforgettable hike and riding experience for the advantage of

In the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that runs around the capital city, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.

It connects Nahal Refaim to Emek Motza. The southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban, and the northern entrance is in Nahal Ein Kerem, about one kilometer away close to the Kerem junction.

The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel was officially opened in a ceremony on Thursday , attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'evElkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov and hundreds of cyclists.

Jerusalem was a sought-after tourist destination because of its rich history. Elkin said that today aside from its rich history, Jerusalem is also home to modern-day travelers. "The inauguration of this tunnel project is a different element of the development of Jerusalem. It makes Jerusalem an attractive tourist place for any kind of crowd within Israel, and worldwide."

נווה פריצקי Elkin who, along with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, explained that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the improvement of all aspects of Jerusalem's tourism and in the creation of new tourist attractions and ventures that link the fascinating history of our eternal capital to its future... I invite cycling enthusiasts to join us and take a ride along the modern and well-maintained cycle route that offers a view of the unique scenery of Old Jerusalem."

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

Elkin said, "The Kerem Tunnel project is a key instrument in achieving our goal to change the notion of transportation in Jerusalem." "The new tunnel, which will connect with the Jerusalem Ring Path, will join the existing cycle paths in the city as well as the ones that will be paved within its different neighborhood. It is designed to encourage bicycling within its inhabitants, and also to encourage a green transportation revolution in Jerusalem."

The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the 90s to move a main sewer line for the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is now being used as an infrastructure tunnel which includes the fifth waterline that runs to Jerusalem via the Mekorot water corporation.

"The Kerem tunnel is a crucial tool for achieving the goal of changing Jerusalem's transport system. "

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lon
Road construction installation, blowers, sophisticated security systems and electrical wiring are all part of the current works. The tunnel will be safe for public to use throughout the season.

You can also access the Kerem Tunnel to enjoy unique places to relax, such as Ein Kerem, the Biblical Zoo, aquarium, and the Ein Kerem neighborhood.

Read More: https://nevefrietzki.co.il/