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The Kerem Tunnel offers an unforgettable adventure on foot and in the saddle to the benefit of

As part of the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that runs around the capital, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.

It links Nahal Refaim to Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban while the northern entrance is in Nahal Ein Kerem, about one kilometer away close to the Kerem junction.

The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was officially inaugurated by Jerusalem’s Heritage Minister ZeevElkin. נווה פריצקי The ceremony was also attended by Mayor Moshelion Avi Balehnikov Gihon Water Company chairman, and hundreds of cyclists.

Jerusalem was once popular tourist destination because of its historic past. Elkin stated that today as well as its historic treasures, the tunnel project also encompasses modern day tourism. “The launch of the tunnel project is another part of the expansion of Jerusalem as a city. Jerusalem and its transformation into a desirable city that is attractive to all types of people in Israel and around the world.”

Elkin, whose ministry together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that the ministry “invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year to develop Jerusalem’s tourism in all its aspects and also in the development of innovative attractions and ventures that connect the rich history of our eternal capital to the future of Jerusalem… I encourage the cycling community to ride a secure and modernized route that will take the cyclist through Old Jerusalem.

The project was funded by the Elkin’s department and the Tourism Ministry. It also included the budgets for the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation. The work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin stated that “The Kerem Tunnel Project is the central instrument to achieve the goal to redefine the idea of transportation throughout Jerusalem.” “The new tunnel, which will connect to the lengthy Jerusalem Ring Path, will join the existing bicycle pathways in the city, as well as the ones that will be laid in its various neighborhoods, to encourage cycling among its residents and its visitors, and also encouraging the green revolution of transportation in the capital city.”

The Kerem Tunnel, originally excavated by the Gihon Corporation in the 1990s to relocate the main sewer line toward the Sorek purification plant.

“The Kerem tunnel project is crucial to realize the goal of changing Jerusalem’s transportation system. ”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon

The current works include road construction, the installation of blowers and advanced security and electrical systems in order to ensure that the tunnel is secure for pedestrians to travel through throughout the year.

The Kerem Tunnel provides access to exclusive recreation spots, 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.