Neve Paritzki (נווה פריצקי)The first tunnel for cycling in Israel opens in Jerusalem
The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique ride and hiking experience that should be enjoyed by all.
The Kerem Tunnel, the first cycle tunnel in Israel is now open in the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle path that runs around the capital city.
נווה פריצקי The tunnel is a link between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. Its southern entry is located in Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is just half a kilometer away from the Nahal Ein Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometer long tunnel was opened on Thursday by Jerusalem and heritage minister Ze'evElkin and Moshe Lion, the Mayor. Moshe Lion. Avi Baleshnikov of Gihon the chairman of Gihon as well as a multitude of cyclists also attended.
Jerusalem was once a popular tourist attraction due to its rich past. In the present, in addition to its rich history it also has modern tourism." Elkin said. "The opening of this tunnel is a further step in the development of Jerusalem as an ideal tourist destination for all types of travelers from Israel and around the globe."
Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year to develop all aspects of Jerusalem's tourism and also in the development of innovative activities and ventures that connect the rich history of our eternal capital to its future... I encourage cyclists to take advantage of a a well-maintained, modern cycle route, which overlooks the stunning landscape of Old Jerusalem.
A total of NIS 25 million was earmarked in the project, budgeted by the Elkin's Ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, with the work carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
"The Kerem Tunnel project is an essential tool to realize the idea to transform the idea of transportation across Jerusalem," Elkin emphasized. "The tunnel is set to connect to the Jerusalem Ring Path. It will link to the numerous cycle paths already within the city. They will be laid in its numerous neighborhoods. The objective is to encourage cyclists in the city.
The Kerem Tunnel, originally excavated by the Gihon Corporation in the 1990s in order to transfer the main sewer line toward the Sorek purification plant.
"The Kerem Tunnel Project is crucial in achieving the dream of transforming the concept of transportation throughout Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
Construction of roads, the installation and testing of electrical and safety systems are just some of the ongoing projects to ensure the tunnel is safe for all year.
It is also possible to use the Kerem Tunnel to enjoy unique places to relax, such as Ein Kerem, the Biblical Zoo, aquarium, and the Ein Kerem neighborhood.