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Holman Edmondson posted an update 2 years, 2 months ago
The Kerem Tunnel allows for a the most unique riding and hiking experience.
The Kerem Tunnel is the first bicycle tunnel to be constructed in Israel and was officially opened in the year 2000 as a part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycling route around Jerusalem, the capital city.
The tunnel runs along the Nahal Refaim-Emek Motza route. Its southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban while the northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem, about one kilometer away from the Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was officially inaugurated by Jerusalem’s Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin. It was also attended by Mayor Moshelion Avi Balehnikov, Gihon Water Company chairman, as well as thousands of cyclists.
Jerusalem was once a tourist attraction because of its rich history. Elkin stated that, today in addition to its historical treasures it is also a destination for modern-day tourists. “The inauguration of tunnel is another aspect of the expansion of Jerusalem’s city Jerusalem and its transformation into an attractive tourist city for all types of people in Israel as well as around the globe.”
Elkin who’s ministry spearheaded the project along with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry has invested thousands of shekels each year in the city’s tourism development and also in the creation of new ventures and attractions which will link the amazing historical past with the exciting future of Jerusalem. I would like to invite cyclists to ride along a an attractive, well-maintained cycling route that overlooks the distinctive nature of Old Jerusalem.
Elkin’s Ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.
Elkin said that the Kerem Tunnel project was a important tool to realize the goal of shifting the idea of transportation in Jerusalem. נווה פריצקי “The new tunnel that connects to Jerusalem Ring Path will join existing bicycle paths and the ones that will be paved within its areas. It is intended to encourage cycling within the city’s residents and to promote the green transport revolution in Jerusalem.”
The Kerem Tunnel, originally excavated by the Gihon Corporation in the 1990s in order to transfer its main sewer line towards Sorek’s purification plant.
“The Kerem tunnel project is an essential tool to realize the vision to change the notion of transportation in Jerusalem. ”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
Construction of roads, the installation and testing of electrical and safety systems are some of the ongoing works to make the tunnel safer for all year.
The Kerem Tunnel gives you access to a variety of recreation sites, including Ein Kerem Neighborhood, the Biblical Zoo and Aquarium and also historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh or Ein Laban.