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The Kerem Tunnel is a great location to go on a hike or ride.

The Kerem Tunnel, Israel’s newest cycle tunnel, was constructed as a part of the 42-kilometer cycle route which circles the capital.

It connects Nahal Refaim to Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is within Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entrance, Nahal Ein Kerem, is approximately half a mile away from the Kerem junction.

נווה פריצקי On Thursday, Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin, Mayor Moshelion, Avi Baleshnikov, Gihon chairman, and hundreds of cyclists were present at a celebration to inaugurate the tunnel’s 2.1-kilometer-long length.

Jerusalem was once a tourist attraction due to its rich past. Nowadays, aside from its rich history, it also incorporates modern-day tourism.” Elkin said. “The opening of this tunnel project is a further part of the expansion of Jerusalem’s city Jerusalem and its transformation into a desirable tourist destination for all kinds of audiences in Israel as well as around the globe.”

The ministry of Elkin, which also headed the project in conjunction with Jerusalem Municipality, stated that his ministry “invests hundreds of millions of shekels annually in all aspects of Jerusalem’s tourism industry and is involved in developing exciting attractions and ventures that connect the magnificent 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.

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

“The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the vision to transform the idea of transportation in Jerusalem,” Elkin stressed. “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 diverse neighborhood. It is designed to encourage bicycling within the city’s residents and also to encourage the green revolution in transportation in Jerusalem.”

The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 in order to transfer the main sewer from Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. This plant is west of Sorek and is used today as an infrastructure tunnel.

“The Kerem tunnel is a key tool to realize the vision to transform Jerusalem’s transportation system. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon

In order to make the tunnel accessible to the public all year round, the works include road construction as well as the installing blowers.

The Kerem Tunnel provides access to special recreation areas, such as Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo as well as the natural springs of historical significance Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban, and Ein Haniyeh.