Neve Paritzki (נווה פריצקי)Jerusalem is home to the world's first bicycle tunnel in Israel.
The Kerem Tunnel is a great place to ride and hike.
As part of the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that runs around the capital city, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.
The tunnel is a link between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban and its northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem, about one kilometer away close to the Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel was officially opened during a celebration on Thursday , attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'ev Elkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov and hundreds of cyclists.
"In the past, Jerusalem was an attractive tourist city due to its glorious past. Elkin explained that the modern tourism industry is an integral part of Jerusalem's historical treasures and incorporates modern day tourism. "The opening of this tunnel project is another part of the development of Jerusalem as a city. Jerusalem and its transformation into a dazzling tourist city for all types of visitors in Israel and throughout the world."
Elkin, whose ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality led the project, stated that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the growth of all aspects Jerusalem's tourism and the creation and operation of exciting tourist attractions, ventures, and activities which connect the rich past of Jerusalem to the future". I invite cyclists to enjoy a well-maintained, modern cycle route, which overlooks the stunning landscape of Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's Ministry Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality and Gihon Corporation contributed approximately NIS 25 million for the project. The project was executed by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
Elkin said that the Kerem Tunnel project is an important tool in realizing the vision to alter the concept and transport in Jerusalem. Elkin stated that the new tunnel is connected with the Jerusalem Ring Path and will link with existing bike paths. It will also be paved throughout its various neighborhoods. This will encourage cycling and promote green transportation in the capital.
The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in the year 1990 to relocate the main sewer from Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. https://nevefrietzki.co.il/ This plant is located west of Sorek and is still used as an infrastructure tunnel.
"The Kerem tunnel is a vital tool in achieving the dream of transforming Jerusalem's transport system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
To make the tunnel accessible to the general public throughout the year, the works include road construction as well as the installation of blowers.
There is also the Kerem Tunnel to enjoy unique recreation spots, including Ein Kerem, the Biblical aquarium, zoo and Ein Kerem neighborhood.