Neve ParitzkiJerusalem is home to Israel's first bicycle tunnel
The Kerem Tunnel allows for a an experience that is unique in terms of hiking and riding.
As part of the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that runs around the capital, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.
The tunnel is located through the Nahal-Refaim-Emek-Motza route. The southern entrance of the tunnel is beneath Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance can be found in Nahal Ein Kerem.
The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was officially opened by Jerusalem's Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin. The ceremony was also attended by Mayor Moshelion, Avi Balehnikov, Gihon Water Company chairman, and many cyclists.
Jerusalem was once a very sought-after tourist destination due to its historical past. Elkin explained that nowadays, in addition to its rich history the tunnel project incorporates modern-day tourism. "The opening of the tunnel is an additional aspect of the development Jerusalem and its transformation into a desirable tourism destination for all in Israel as well as around the world.
Elkin who's ministry in charge of the project with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry invested thousands of shekels every year in Jerusalem's tourist development as well as in creating new activities and ventures that will connect the magnificent historical past with the exciting the future of Jerusalem. נווה פריצקי I invite you to ride your bicycles along a stunning, well-maintained route that overlooks Old Jerusalem.
A total of NIS 25 million were earmarked in the project, budgeted by the Elkin's Ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, and the work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
Elkin explained that the Kerem Tunnel project is an crucial tool to realize the goal to change the way of thinking and transport in Jerusalem. נווה פריצקי "The new tunnel will connect to the Jerusalem Ring Path. It will connect with the various bicycle paths that are already in the city. נווה פריצקי The paths will be paved in its numerous areas. The goal is to encourage cycling among residents of Jerusalem.
In the 90s, the Kerem Tunnel was excavated to move the main sewer line of Gihon Corporation to the Sorek purification plant. It is now used as an infrastructure tunnel. It houses the fifth water line to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water company.
"The Kerem tunnel is a vital tool in achieving the dream of transforming Jerusalem's transportation system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
Road construction, installation and testing of electrical and safety systems are just a few of the ongoing projects to make the tunnel safer for all seasons.
The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to unique recreation sites which include the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium as well as the historic natural springs in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh. נווה פריצקי