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The Kerem Tunnel offers a unique trail and riding experience to the benefit of

In the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that runs around the capital city, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.

The tunnel connects the path between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The southern entrance is within Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is approximately half a mile away from the Kerem junction.

The 2.1-kilometer long tunnel was opened on Thursday by Jerusalem and heritage minister Ze’ev Elkin and Mayor Moshe Lion. Avi Baleshnikov of Gihon, chairman of Gihon as well as a multitude of cyclists were also in attendance.

Jerusalem was once popular tourist destination because of its rich history. Elkin said that, nowadays along with its rich history the tunnel construction project incorporates modern-day tourism. “The opening of the tunnel is an additional aspect of the growth of Jerusalem as well as it’s transformation into an attractive tourism destination for all across Israel as well as around the world.

Elkin, whose ministry together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, explained that his ministry “invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the development of Jerusalem’s tourism in all its aspects and also in the development of innovative attractions and ventures that connect the rich history of our capital city to the future of Jerusalem… I would like to invite you to ride your bicycles along a stunning maintained, well-maintained path that looks out over Old Jerusalem.

Elkin’s Ministry Elkin’s Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality, and the Gihon Corporation all contributed to the project. The Jerusalem Development Authority completed the work.

Elkin said, “The Kerem Tunnel project will be the central tool in achieving our goal to change the concept transportation throughout Jerusalem.” “The tunnel, which will connect with the Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect the existing cycle routes in the city and will be constructed within the various neighborhood. The tunnel is intended to encourage bicycle riding within its inhabitants, and promote the green revolution in transportation in Jerusalem.”

The Kerem Tunnel, originally excavated by the Gihon Corporation in the 1990s in order to transfer its main sewer line towards the Sorek purification plant.

נווה פריצקי “The Kerem tunnel project is crucial to realize the vision for changing Jerusalem’s transport system. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon

To make the tunnel usable to the public year-round the work includes road construction as well as the installing blowers.

The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to unique recreation sites which include the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo, aquarium and the as well as the historic natural springs in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.