The Kerem Tunnel offers a unique riding and hiking experience for the enjoyment of
The Kerem Tunnel, the first bicycle tunnel in Israel is now open as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle route that circles Jerusalem, Israel's capital city.
The tunnel connects the path between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. It is located in southern Israel within Refaim Park. Ein Laban is the nearest. Nahal Ein Kerem is the northern entrance.
On Thursday, Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin, Mayor Michael, Avi Baleshnikov, Gihon chairman, and hundreds of cyclists attended a ceremony to officially open the tunnel's 2.1-kilometer-long length.
Jerusalem was a popular tourist destination due to its glorious historical. Elkin explained that today along with its historic treasures the tunnel construction project incorporates modern-day tourism. "The launch (of this tunnel project) is another aspect of the expansion of Jerusalem and the transformation of Jerusalem into a popular tourist city for all sorts of visitors across Israel as well as across the globe."
Elkin who, along with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year to develop Jerusalem's tourism in all its aspects and in the creation of innovative tourist attractions and ventures that link the rich history of our capital city to the future of Jerusalem... I would like to invite cyclists to ride along a the modern, well-maintained cycling route that overlooks the distinctive landscape of Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality and Gihon Corporation contributed approximately NIS 25 million to the project. The work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
נווה פריצקי Elkin said that the Kerem Tunnel project is an important tool in realizing the idea to alter the concept and transportation throughout Jerusalem. "The tunnel, which connects with the Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect with existing cycle paths within the city, as well as those that will be constructed within the different areas. The tunnel is intended to encourage bicycle riding within the city's residents and to promote a green transportation revolution in Jerusalem."
In the 1990s In the 90s, the Kerem Tunnel was excavated to transfer the main sewer line of Gihon Corporation to the Sorek purification plant. It is now used for infrastructure purposes and houses the fifth water line that connects to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water company.
"The Kerem tunnel project is an essential tool to realize the goal of changing the way of transport in Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lon
The current works include road construction, installation blowers as well as advanced safety systems to ensure that the tunnel is secure for everyone to use all year.
Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel provides access to unique recreation locations, including Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo as well as the natural springs of historical significance Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban, and Ein Haniyeh.