The Kerem Tunnel allows for a the most unique riding and hiking experience.
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's first bicycle tunnel, was opened as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path. This 42-kilometer cycle path surrounds Jerusalem.
נווה פריצקינווה פריצקי The tunnel connects Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. It is located in southern Israel in Refaim Park. Ein Laban is the nearest. נווה פריצקי Nahal Ein Kerem is the northern entrance.
The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was inaugurated by Jerusalem's Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin. It was also attended by Mayor Moshelion Avi Balehnikov, Gihon Water Company Chairman, as well as many cyclists.
Jerusalem was once a popular tourist attraction because of its rich history. Elkin added that in addition to its rich history and modern amenities, tourism has also been incorporated into the Jerusalem city. "The opening of this tunnel project [is] another element of the development of Jerusalem. It makes Jerusalem an attractive destination for tourists of any kind of crowd throughout Israel and around the world."
Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the improvement of Jerusalem's tourism in all its aspects and the development of exciting activities and ventures that connect the fascinating history of our capital city to the future of Jerusalem... I would like to invite cyclists everywhere to come and take a ride along the modern, well-maintained route that takes in the view of Old Jerusalem.
נווה פריצקינווה פריצקי Elkin's Ministry and the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.
Elkin stated that "The Kerem Tunnel Project is a central tool to realize the dream to redefine the idea of transportation throughout Jerusalem." Elkin stated that the new tunnel connects to the Jerusalem Ring Path and will connect with existing bike trails. The tunnel will also be paved in the various areas. It will also encourage cycling and promote green transport in Jerusalem.
The Kerem Tunnel, originally excavated by the Gihon Corporation in the 1990s in order to move its main sewer line towards Sorek's purification plant.
"The Kerem tunnel is a crucial tool for achieving the goal of changing Jerusalem's transport system. "
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 also allows access to unique recreation sites which include the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo, aquarium and the and the historical natural springs in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh. נווה פריצקי