Neve ParitzkiJerusalem The First Cycling Tunnel in Israel Tunnel opens
The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique adventure in hiking and riding that is to be enjoyed by everyone. The Kerem Tunnel, the first cycle tunnel in Israel is now open in the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle route that circles Jerusalem, Israel's capital city.
It connects Nahal Refaim to Emek Motza. The tunnel's southern entrance is located in Refaim Park below Ein Laban. The northern entrance is in Nahal Ein Kerem about half one kilometer away from the Kerem junction.
נווה פריצקי The opening ceremony of the tunnel that is 2.1 kilometers long, was held in Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze’ev Elkin Mayor Moshelion, Avi Baleshnikov (Gihon water company chairman) as well as a plethora of cyclists.
Jerusalem's rich past was the main reason that it was the most visited tourist spot during the time of its glory. Elkin said that, the present along with its rich history the tunnel project includes modern tourism. "The opening of this tunnel is another element of the development of Jerusalem. The tunnel transforms Jerusalem into an attractive destination for tourists of every kind of person within Israel and around the world."
Elkin who, along with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the development of Jerusalem's tourism in all its aspects and also in the development of innovative activities and ventures that connect the fascinating history of our eternal capital to its future... I would like to invite cyclists everywhere to visit and enjoy the contemporary, well-maintained road that overlooks Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's Ministry and the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.
"The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the vision to change the concept of transportation in Jerusalem," Elkin stressed. "The new tunnel connecting to Jerusalem Ring Path will join the existing bike paths as well as those that will paved in its neighborhoods. It's designed to promote biking among the residents of Jerusalem and encourage the green movement in Jerusalem."
In the 1990s, the Kerem Tunnel was excavated to transfer the main sewer line from Gihon Corporation to the Sorek purification plant. It is now used as an infrastructure tunnel and houses the fifth water line to Jerusalem by the Mekorot water company.
נווה פריצקי "The Kerem tunnel is a vital tool in achieving the dream of transforming Jerusalem's transportation system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon Construction of roads, the installation and testing of electrical and safety systems are some of the ongoing works to ensure that the tunnel is secure for all year.
You can also access the Kerem Tunnel to enjoy unique recreation spots, including Ein Kerem, the Biblical aquarium, zoo and Ein Kerem neighborhood.