The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique adventure in hiking and riding that should be loved by everyone.
The Kerem Tunnel is the first cycle tunnel in Israel and was inaugurated as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle path that runs around the capital.
The tunnel is a link between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. נווה פריצקיhttps://www.makorrishon.co.il/mumlazim/524295/ The tunnel's southern entry point can be found in Refaim Park below Ein Laban. While the northern entrance can be found in Nahal Ein Kerem about half one kilometer away from the Kerem junction.
נווה פריצקי The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was officially inaugurated in a ceremony on Thursday attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'evElkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov as well as hundreds of cyclists.
נווה פריצקי "In the past, Jerusalem was an attractive city for tourists because of its rich history. Elkin added that in addition to its historic treasures the modern tourist industry is incorporated into Jerusalem's city. "The inauguration [of] this tunnel project is yet another milestone in the advancement of Jerusalem as an attractive tourist destination for all kinds of people throughout Israel as well as around the world."
Elkin's ministry, which also in charge of the project together with Jerusalem Municipality, declared that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in all aspects of Jerusalem's tourism and in creating new ventures and attractions that link the amazing historical history of our capital city with the future." I invite cyclists to enjoy the modern, well-maintained cycling route overlooking the unique landscape of Old Jerusalem.
The project was financed by the Elkin's department as well as the Tourism Ministry. It also included budgets for Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation. The work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
"The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the idea to transform the idea of transportation across Jerusalem," Elkin emphasized. "The tunnel, which is connected to the Jerusalem Ring Path, will join the existing cycle paths within the city as well as those that will be constructed within the different areas. It is designed to encourage bicycling among its residents, and to promote an environmentally sustainable transportation system in Jerusalem."
The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the 1990s to create a main sewer line for the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvNv7Qfm7eu1nMArSzmfQQ/videos It is currently being used as an infrastructure tunnel which includes the fifth waterline that runs to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water corporation.
"The Kerem tunnel is a crucial tool for achieving the goal of changing Jerusalem's transport system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
The work currently in progress includes road construction, installation of blowers as well as modern safety and electrical systems to ensure the tunnel is safe for pedestrians to travel through all year round.
The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to special recreation areas - including the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium, and the historical natural springs of Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.