Neve ParitzkiThe first cycle tunnel in Israel is inaugurated in Jerusalem

The Kerem Tunnel offers a unique riding and hiking experience for the benefit of
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's newest bicycle tunnel, has been opened as part the 42-kilometer cycle route which runs through the capital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6lwMSJfGow The tunnel is located along the Nahal Refaim-Emek Motza route. Its southern entrance is in Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is about half a kilometer away from the Kerem junction.

The tunnel's official opening ceremony, which is 2.1 kilometers long, was held in Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze’ev Elkin Mayor Moshelion, Heritage Minister Ze'ev Elkin Avi Baleshnikov (Gihon water company chairman) and hundreds more cyclists.

Jerusalem's rich past was the main reason why it was the most visited tourist destination in the past. Elkin said that, today along with its rich history the tunnel construction project encompasses modern day tourism. "The launch of the tunnel is another aspect of the growth of Jerusalem as a city. Jerusalem as well as its development into a desirable tourist city for all types of visitors in Israel as well as around the world."

Elkin, whose ministry was spearheaded the project along with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry had invested thousands of shekels each year in Jerusalem's tourist development as well as in creating new activities and ventures that will connect the magnificent historical past and the future of Jerusalem. I invite cycling enthusiasts to join us and take a ride along a modern and well-maintained cycling route that takes in the unique nature of Old Jerusalem."

Elkin's Ministerial, Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality and Gihon Corporation contributed approximately NIS 25,000,000 to the project. The work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin said the fact that "The Kerem Tunnel Project is a central tool to realize the dream to redefine the idea of transport in Jerusalem." "The new tunnel, which connects to the lengthy Jerusalem Ring Path, will join the existing bicycle pathways in the city, as well as those that are paved in its various neighborhoods, in the hope of encouraging cycling among the city's residents as well as its visitors, and also in promoting the green transportation revolution in the capital city."

The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 in order to transfer the main sewer of Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvNv7Qfm7eu1nMArSzmfQQ/videos This plant is west of Sorek and is still used as an infrastructure tunnel.

"The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument to achieve the vision of transforming Jerusalem's transport model. "

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee
Road construction, installation, blowers, advanced safety systems and electrical wiring are all part and parcel of the current works. The tunnel will be safe for public to use throughout the year.


The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to unique recreation spots which include the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium as well as the historic natural springs of Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.