Neve Paritzki Jerusalem opens Israels first cycling tunnel
Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel offers an unforgettable riding and hiking experience to the benefit of
The Kerem Tunnel is the first bicycle tunnel in Israel and was officially opened in the year 2000 as a part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle path that runs around Jerusalem, the capital city.
The tunnel connects the path between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. Its southern entry is located in Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is approximately half a mile away from the Nahal Ein Kerem junction.
On Thursday, Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin, Mayor Moshelion, Avi Baleshnikov, Gihon chairman and hundreds of cyclists were present at a celebration to mark the opening of the tunnel's 2.1-kilometer-long length.
Jerusalem was a sought-after tourist destination because of its rich and fascinating historical. Elkin explained that today, in addition to its rich history, the tunnel project also encompasses modern day tourism. "The inauguration of [this] tunnel project is a further part of the development of Jerusalem's city Jerusalem and its transformation into a dazzling city that is attractive to all types of visitors in Israel as well as around the world."
Elkin, whose ministry together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, said his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the improvement of Jerusalem's tourism in all its aspects and in the creation of innovative activities and ventures that connect the glorious historical past of our eternal capital to the future of Jerusalem... I invite all cyclists to come and take a ride along the new, well-maintained and modern route that takes in the view of Old Jerusalem.
נווה פריצקי Around NIS 25 million was put into in the project. It was budgeted by 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 stated, "The Kerem Tunnel project is a key instrument in achieving our goal to change the way transportation is conducted in Jerusalem." Elkin explained that the proposed tunnel connects with the Jerusalem Ring Path and will link with existing bike paths. It will also be made paved in its different areas. The tunnel will be a great way to encourage cycling and promote green transportation in the capital.
The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the late 90s to relocate the main sewer line of the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is now being utilized as an infrastructure tunnel which also includes the fifth line of water to Jerusalem via the Mekorot water corporation.
"The Kerem tunnel is a key tool to realize the dream of transforming Jerusalem's transportation system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
Construction of roads, the installation and testing of safety and electrical systems are just some of the ongoing works to ensure that the tunnel is secure for all year.
Kerem Tunnel 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 Ein Laban, and Ein Haniyeh.
