Neve ParitzkiJerusalem: Israel's First Cycling Tunnel opens

The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique adventure in hiking and riding that should be enjoyed by everyone.
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's first bicycle tunnel, was opened as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path. This 42-kilometer cycle path surrounds Jerusalem.

It connects Nahal Refaim to Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is located below Ein Laban in Refaim Park. נווה פריצקי The northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem.


The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was officially inaugurated in a ceremony on Thursday , attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'ev Elkin Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov as well as hundreds of cyclists.

Jerusalem was once a sought-after tourist destination due to its historic past. Elkin said that today in addition to its historical treasures it is also home to modern-day travelers. נווה פריצקי "The launch of the tunnel project is another aspect of the development Jerusalem as well as it's transformation into an attractive tourist destination for everyone in Israel and the world.

Elkin the minister whose ministry as well as the Jerusalem Municipality led the project, said that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels per year in the growth of all aspects Jerusalem's visitors and in the design and operation of exciting tourist attractions, ventures, and activities that connect the glorious history of our eternal city to the future". I would like to invite cyclists to ride a secure and modern route that takes the cyclist through Old Jerusalem.

Elkin's Ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.

Elkin said that "The Kerem Tunnel Project is an essential tool for achieving the goal to change the way we think about transport throughout Jerusalem." Elkin explained that the proposed tunnel will connect with the Jerusalem Ring Path and will connect with existing bike routes. The tunnel will also be paved in its different neighborhoods. The tunnel will be a great way to encourage cycling and promote green transport in Jerusalem.

The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 in order to transfer the main sewer from Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. The plant is located west of Sorek and is still used as an infrastructure tunnel.

"The Kerem tunnel project is central to realizing the goal of changing Jerusalem's transportation system. "

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
Present projects include road construction, installation blowers, and advanced safety equipment to ensure the tunnel is safe for everyone to use all 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 in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.