The Kerem Tunnel allows for a the most unique riding and hiking experience.
The Kerem Tunnel is the first bike tunnel in Israel and was officially opened in the year 2000 as a part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle path that runs around the capital.
The tunnel connects Nahal Refaim with Emek Motza. Its southern entry is located within Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entrance, Nahal Ein Kerem, is about half a kilometer away from the Kerem junction.
The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was officially inaugurated by Jerusalem's Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin. The ceremony was also attended by Mayor Moshelion Avi Balehnikov, Gihon Water Company chairman, as well as hundreds of cyclists.
Jerusalem was a popular tourist destination due to its rich and fascinating past. In the present, in addition to its historic treasures, it also incorporates modern-day tourism." Elkin said. "The launch of the tunnel project is another element of the progress of Jerusalem as well as it's transformation into an attractive tourist destination for everyone throughout Israel and around the world.
Elkin, whose ministry together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the development of all aspects of Jerusalem's tourism and in the creation of exciting attractions and ventures that connect the fascinating history of our eternal capital to the future of Jerusalem... I would like to invite cyclists to ride along a the modern, well-maintained cycling route overlooking the unique landscape of Old Jerusalem.
About NIS 25 million was earmarked in the project, budgeted by the Elkin's Ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality as well as the Gihon Corporation and the Jerusalem Purification and Sewerage Works, and the work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
"The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the vision to change the concept of transportation across Jerusalem," Elkin said. "The new tunnel, which will connect with the Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect the existing cycle routes in the city as well as the ones that will be constructed within the various areas. The tunnel is intended to encourage bicycling within its inhabitants, and promote an environmentally sustainable transportation system in Jerusalem."
The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 to move the main sewer of Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. This plant is located west of Sorek and is still used as an infrastructure tunnel.
"The Kerem tunnel is a key tool to realize the vision to transform Jerusalem's transport system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
Road construction installation, blowers, modern safety systems , and electrical wiring are all part and parcel of the ongoing work. The tunnel will be safe for public to use throughout the year.
There is also the Kerem Tunnel to enjoy unique recreation spots, including Ein Kerem, the Biblical Zoo, aquarium, and the Ein Kerem neighborhood. נווה פריצקי