The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique riding experience and hiking experience that should be enjoyed by all.
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's newest cycle tunnel, is constructed as a part of the 42-kilometer cycle route which is a loop around the capital.
The tunnel links Nahal Refaim with Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban, and the 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.
Jerusalem was once well-known tourist destination due to its historic past. Elkin declared that, in the present aside from its historical treasures it is also home to modern-day travelers. "The launch of the tunnel project is a different aspect of the growth of Jerusalem as well as it's transformation into an attractive tourist destination for everyone in Israel as well as around the world.
Elkin's ministry, which was also in charge of the project together in conjunction with Jerusalem Municipality, stated that his ministry "invests hundreds and millions of shekels annually in all aspects of Jerusalem’s tourism and in creating innovative attractions and ventures, which connect the glorious historic time of our capital city with its future." I encourage the cycling community to ride a secure and modernized route that will take the cyclist through Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's ministry and the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.
Elkin declared that the Kerem Tunnel project was a key tool in realizing the goal of altering the way of transportation throughout Jerusalem. "The tunnel, which is connected to the Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect with existing cycle paths in the city as well as the ones that are being constructed in its various neighborhoods. The tunnel is intended to encourage cycling among its residents, and to promote an environmentally sustainable transportation system in Jerusalem."
In the 90s in the 1990s, the Kerem Tunnel was excavated to relocate the main sewer line of Gihon Corporation to the Sorek purification plant. It is now utilized as an infrastructure tunnel and also houses the fifth water line that connects to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water company.
נווה פריצקי "The Kerem tunnel project is a central tool for realizing the dream of changing the concept of transportation throughout Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lon
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.
Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel allows for access to unique recreational areas, for instance Ein Kerem, a neighborhood which includes a Biblical aquarium and zoo, and also the historical natural springs Ein Haniyeh and Ein Laban.