Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel offers a unique trail and riding experience to the benefit of
In the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route, which surrounds the capital city, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.
The tunnel links the paths between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is located in Refaim Park, below Ein Laban while the northern entrance is in Nahal Ein Kerem, about half a kilometer from the Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was officially opened by Jerusalem's Heritage Minister ZeevElkin. The ceremony was also attended by Mayor Moshelion Avi Balehnikov Gihon Water Company chairman, as well as hundreds of cyclists.
Jerusalem's glorious past was a reason that it was a popular tourist spot during the time of its glory. Elkin said that, nowadays along with its rich history the tunnel construction project incorporates modern-day tourism. "The opening of this tunnel project is another milestone in the advancement of Jerusalem as an ideal tourism destination for all kinds of travelers throughout Israel and around the globe."
Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, explained that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the improvement of Jerusalem's tourism in all its aspects and also in the development of exciting activities and ventures that connect the glorious historical past of our capital city's eternal past to its future... I would like to invite cyclists everywhere to visit and enjoy the contemporary, well-maintained road which overlooks Old Jerusalem.
נווה פריצקי Elkin's Ministry Elkin's Ministry Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation all contributed to the project. The Jerusalem Development Authority completed the work.
Elkin explained that the Kerem Tunnel project is an essential tool for achieving the idea to alter the concept and transport throughout Jerusalem. "The tunnel, which is connected to the Jerusalem Ring Path, will join the existing cycle paths within the city, as well as those that are being constructed in its different areas. It's designed to encourage bicycling among its residents, and to promote a green transportation revolution in Jerusalem."
The Kerem Tunnel, originally excavated by the Gihon Corporation in the 1990s in order to move its main sewer line to Sorek's purification plant.
"The Kerem tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the dream of changing the notion of transportation in Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lon
In order to make the tunnel accessible to the public all year round, the works include road construction, as well as installation of blowers.
It is also possible to use the Kerem Tunnel to enjoy unique recreation spots, including Ein Kerem, the Biblical aquarium, zoo and Ein Kerem neighborhood.