Neve ParitzkiJerusalem's first cycle tunnel has been inaugurated in Israel
The Kerem Tunnel offers a unique riding and hiking experience for the enjoyment of
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's newest cycle tunnel, was inaugurated as part of the 42-kilometer cycle route which circles the capital.
It connects Nahal Refaim to Emek Motza. The southern entrance is in Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is about half a kilometer away from the 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.
Jerusalem's glorious past was a reason why it was a popular tourist spot in the past. Nowadays, aside from its historic treasures it also has modern tourism." Elkin said. "The inauguration of [this] tunnel project is another part of the development of Jerusalem as a city. Jerusalem as well as its development into an attractive tourist city for all types of visitors in Israel as well as around the world."
The ministry of Elkin, which also in charge of the project together in conjunction with Jerusalem Municipality, said that the ministry "invests hundreds and millions of shekels every year in all aspects of Jerusalem’s tourism industry and is involved in developing exciting attractions and ventures that connect the magnificent historical time of our capital city with the future." I invite cyclists to enjoy the modern, well-maintained cycling route overlooking the unique nature of Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's Ministry Elkin's Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation all contributed to the project. The Jerusalem Development Authority completed the work.
Elkin said that the Kerem Tunnel project was a key tool in realizing the dream of changing the concept for transportation throughout Jerusalem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IARj0i5sZlw "The new tunnel, which connects with the Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect the existing cycle routes within the city, and will be constructed within the diverse areas. It is designed to encourage bicycling within its inhabitants, and also to encourage an environmentally sustainable transportation system in Jerusalem."
The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the 1990s to create an important sewer line for the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is currently being used as an infrastructure tunnel which includes the fifth waterline that runs to Jerusalem via the Mekorot water corporation.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee The current works include road construction, the installation of blowers as well as modern electrical and safety systems, to make the tunnel safe for pedestrians to travel through at all times of the year.
The Kerem Tunnel provides access to special recreation areas, such as Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo , as well the historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban, and Ein Haniyeh.