The Kerem Tunnel allows for a an experience that is unique in terms of hiking and riding.
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's first bicycle tunnel, was opened as part of Jerusalem Ring Path. This 42-kilometer cycle path surrounds Jerusalem.
נווה פריצקי The tunnel links Nahal Refaim with Emek Motza. The southern entrance of the tunnel is below Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance can be found in Nahal Ein Kerem.
The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was inaugurated during a celebration on Thursday attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'ev Elkin Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov, and a slew of cyclists.
"In the past, Jerusalem was an attractive tourist destination because of its rich history. נווה פריצקי Elkin explained that today along with its historic treasures the tunnel project encompasses modern day tourism. נווה פריצקי "The inauguration of this tunnel project is a different aspect of the growth of Jerusalem. נווה פריצקי It transforms Jerusalem into an attractive tourist destination for all types of audience within Israel and around the world."
Elkin, whose ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality led the project, stated that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels per year to develop all aspects of Jerusalem's visitors and in the creation and operation of exciting attractions, ventures , and other attractions that link the rich history of Jerusalem's eternal city to the future". I invite the cycling community to ride a secure and modern route that takes the cyclist through Old Jerusalem.
נווה פריצקי Elkin's Ministry Elkin's Ministry Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation all contributed to the project. The Jerusalem Development Authority completed the work.
Elkin stressed, "The Kerem Tunnel project is a key instrument in achieving our goal to change the way transportation is conducted in Jerusalem." Elkin stated that the new tunnel connects to the Jerusalem Ring Path and will link with existing bike trails. The tunnel will also be paved throughout the various neighborhoods. The tunnel will be a great way to increase cycling and encourage green transportation in the capital.
The Kerem Tunnel was first excavated in the late 1990s to relocate the main sewer line from the Gihon Corporation toward the purification plant in Sorek It is situated to the west of the city. It is currently being used as an infrastructure tunnel. It also includes the fifth water line that connects to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water company.
"The Kerem tunnel project is crucial to realize the goal of changing Jerusalem's transportation system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
To make the tunnel accessible to the public all year round, the works include road construction and installing blowers.
The Kerem Tunnel allows for access to unique recreational areas, such as Ein Kerem, a neighborhood that includes a biblical aquarium and zoo, and historical natural springs Ein Haniyeh and Ein Laban.