Neve Paritzki (נווה פריצקי)Jerusalem: Israel's First Cycling Tunnel opens
Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel offers a unique trail and riding experience to the benefit of
As part of the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that surrounds Jerusalem's capital, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.
The tunnel is a link between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The southern entrance is within Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is just half a kilometer away 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, as well as thousands of cyclists.
Jerusalem was once popular tourist destination because of its historical past. Elkin explained that the modern tourist industry is a part of Jerusalem's historical treasures and incorporates modern day tourism. "The inauguration of this tunnel is another aspect of the growth of Jerusalem. The tunnel transforms Jerusalem into an attractive destination for tourists of all types of audience within Israel, and worldwide."
Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, said the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the development of the tourism industry in Jerusalem and in the creation of innovative tourist attractions and ventures that link the fascinating history of our eternal capital to its future... I would like to invite cyclists to come and enjoy an up-to-date and well-maintained cycling route that offers a view of the unique nature of Old Jerusalem."
A total of NIS 25 million were put into in the project, budgeted by Elkin's ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, and the work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
נווה פריצקי Elkin said, "The Kerem Tunnel project will be a central instrument in achieving our goal to change the notion of transportation in Jerusalem." "The tunnel, which will connect with the Jerusalem Ring Path, will join the existing cycle paths within the city, and will be paved within its diverse neighborhoods. It's designed to encourage bicycle riding within the city's residents and promote the green revolution in transportation in Jerusalem."
The Kerem Tunnel, originally excavated by the Gihon Corporation in the 1990s to relocate the main sewer line toward Sorek's purification plant.
"The Kerem Tunnel Project is crucial in achieving the goal of transforming the concept of transportation all over Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lon
Construction of roads, the installation and testing of electrical and safety systems are just a few of the ongoing projects to ensure that the tunnel is secure throughout the year.
The Kerem Tunnel gives you access to numerous places to relax, including Ein Kerem Neighborhood, the Biblical Zoo and Aquarium as well as historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh or Ein Laban.