The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique riding experience and hiking experience that is to be loved by everyone.
The Kerem Tunnel is the first bicycle tunnel to be constructed in Israel and was opened as a part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle route that circles Jerusalem, the capital city.
The tunnel connects Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The southern entrance of the tunnel is below Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance can be located in Nahal Ein Kerem.
The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was inaugurated at a formal ceremony on Thursday attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'evElkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov and hundreds of cyclists.
Jerusalem's rich past was the main reason that it was the most visited tourist destination during the time of its glory. Elkin declared that, in the present in addition to its historical treasures it is also a destination for modern-day tourists. "The inauguration of this tunnel project is a different element of the development of Jerusalem. It transforms Jerusalem into an attractive tourist place for any kind of crowd throughout Israel as well as around the world."
Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, explained that the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year to develop the tourism industry in Jerusalem and also in the development of exciting attractions and ventures that connect the rich history of our capital city to the future of Jerusalem... I would like to invite cyclists everywhere to visit and enjoy the new, well-maintained and modern route that takes in the view of Old Jerusalem.
Around NIS 25 million was earmarked in the project. It was budgeted by the Elkin's Ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality, the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, as well as the work done by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
נווה פריצקי Elkin declared that the Kerem Tunnel project was a important tool to realize the dream of altering the way of transport throughout Jerusalem. Elkin stated that the new tunnel will connect to the Jerusalem Ring Path and will join existing bike routes. It will also be made paved in the various neighborhoods. The tunnel will be a great way to help cyclists and promote green transport in Jerusalem.
The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the 90s to move the main sewer line of the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is now being used as an infrastructure Tunnel that includes the fifth waterline to Jerusalem via the Mekorot water corporation.
"The Kerem tunnel project is an essential tool to realize the goal of changing the way of transport in Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
To make the tunnel accessible to the public all year round the work includes road construction and installation of blowers.
The Kerem Tunnel provides access to unique recreation locations, including Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo , as also the historical natural springs Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban, and Ein Haniyeh.