Neve ParitzkiJerusalem opens the first Israel-wide cycle tunnel
The Kerem Tunnel offers an unforgettable hike and riding experience for the benefit of
As part of the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that runs around the capital city, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.
The tunnel links Nahal Refaim with 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 Nahal Ein Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was inaugurated in a ceremony on Thursday attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'ev Elkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov as well as hundreds of cyclists.
נווה פריצקי Jerusalem was once sought-after tourist destination due to its rich history. Elkin stated that today along with its historic treasures the tunnel project incorporates modern-day tourism. נווה פריצקי "The launch (of the tunnel) is an additional part of the growth of Jerusalem, and the transformation of Jerusalem into a popular tourist city for all sorts of visitors throughout Israel as well as across the world."
The ministry of Elkin, which also headed the project with Jerusalem Municipality, said that the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels annually throughout Jerusalem's tourism, and also in the creation of innovative attractions and ventures, that connect the magnificent historical time of our capital city with the future." I encourage cyclists to take advantage of a a well-maintained, modern cycle route, which overlooks the stunning landscape of Old Jerusalem.
The project was financed by the Elkin's department as well as the Tourism Ministry. It also included budgets for the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation. The work was completed by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
Elkin said, "The Kerem Tunnel project is a key instrument in achieving our goal to change the concept transportation throughout Jerusalem." נווה פריצקינווה פריצקי Elkin said that the new tunnel is connected with the Jerusalem Ring Path and will join existing bike trails. The tunnel will also be made paved in the various neighborhoods. The tunnel will be a great way to help cyclists and promote green transportation in the capital.
The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the 1990s to create the main sewer line of the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is currently being utilized as an infrastructure tunnel that includes the fifth waterline to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water corporation.
"The Kerem Tunnel project is a central tool to realize the dream of transforming Jerusalem's transport model. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
To make the tunnel accessible to the public all year round The works comprise road construction as well as the installing blowers.
The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to special recreation areas - including the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium, as well as the historic natural springs in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.