Neve Paritzki Jerusalems first cycling tunnel opened in Israel
The Kerem Tunnel allows for a unique hiking and riding experience.
As part of the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that surrounds Jerusalem's capital, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.
The tunnel connects 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 mile from the Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was inaugurated by Jerusalem's Heritage Minister ZeevElkin. The ceremony was also attended by Mayor Moshelion Avi Balehnikov, Gihon Water Company chairman, and many cyclists.
Jerusalem was once a tourist attraction due to its rich history. Elkin declared that, in the present aside from its rich history, Jerusalem is also home to modern-day travelers. "The inauguration (of the tunnel) is a further step in the growth of Jerusalem and the transformation of Jerusalem into a popular tourist city for all sorts of visitors across Israel as well as around the world."
Elkin who, along with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, explained that the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the improvement of all aspects of Jerusalem's tourism and the development of new attractions and ventures that connect the fascinating history of our eternal capital to its future... I encourage all cyclists to visit and enjoy the modern, well-maintained route which overlooks Old Jerusalem.
Around NIS 25 million was invested in the project, 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 will be a central instrument for realizing our vision to change the concept transportation throughout Jerusalem." "The new tunnel, which connects to the lengthy Jerusalem Ring Path, will join existing bike routes in the city as well as those that will be paved in its various neighborhoods, to encourage cycling among the city's residents as well as its visitors, and also encouraging the green revolution in transportation in the capital city."
נווה פריצקי The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the late 90s to relocate an important sewer line for the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is currently used as an infrastructure tunnel which includes the fifth waterline to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water corporation.
"The Kerem tunnel project is a central tool for realizing the vision to change the way of transport in Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee
Construction of roads, the installation and testing of electrical and safety systems are just a few of the ongoing efforts to ensure that the tunnel is secure throughout the year.
Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel allows for access to unique recreation areas, for instance Ein Kerem, a neighborhood which has a Biblical aquarium and zoo and historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh and Ein Laban.
