Neve ParitzkiThe first cycle tunnel in Israel is inaugurated in Jerusalem

The Kerem Tunnel is a great place to ride and hike.
The Kerem Tunnel is the first bicycle tunnel to be constructed in Israel and was opened as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle route that circles Jerusalem, the capital city.

נווה פריצקי The tunnel links the paths between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. נווה פריצקי The tunnel's southern entrance is beneath Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance can be found in Nahal Ein Kerem.

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

Jerusalem was once a major tourist attraction due to its rich history. Elkin said that apart from its rich history the modern tourist industry is included in the city of Jerusalem. "The launch of the tunnel is another aspect of the development of Jerusalem's city Jerusalem as well as its development into a desirable tourist destination for all kinds of people in Israel as well as around the world."

נווה פריצקי Elkin, whose ministry was responsible for the project, along with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry has invested thousands of shekels every year in the city's tourism development as well as in creating new ventures and attractions that will connect the magnificent historic past with the future of Jerusalem. I encourage cyclists to take advantage of a the modern, well-maintained cycling route that overlooks the distinctive scenery of Old Jerusalem.

Elkin's Ministry Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality and Gihon Corporation contributed approximately NIS 25,000,000 for the project. The project was executed by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin stressed that "The Kerem Tunnel Project is the central instrument to achieve the dream to redefine the idea of transport throughout Jerusalem." נווה פריצקי "The new tunnel, which will connect to the long Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect the existing bike routes in the city as well as those that are paved in the various neighborhoods with the aim of encouraging cycling among its residents and its visitors as well as encouraging the green transportation revolution in the capital city."

The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 to move the main sewers of 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 the central instrument to achieve the vision of transforming Jerusalem's transport model. "


Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee
In order to make the tunnel accessible to the general public throughout the year the work includes road construction, as well as installation of blowers.

The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to special recreation areas which include the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium along with the historic natural springs of Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.