The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique riding experience and hiking experience that is to be enjoyed by everyone.
The Kerem Tunnel is the first bike tunnel in Israel and was inaugurated as a part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle route that circles the capital.
The tunnel links Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. It has a southern entrance within Refaim Park. Ein Laban is the closest. Nahal Ein Kerem is the northern entrance.
The tunnel's official opening ceremony, which is 2.1 kilometers long, was held in Jerusalem and the Heritage Minister Ze'ev Elkin, Mayor Moshelion and Avi Baleshnikov (Gihon water company chairman of the company) along with hundreds of cyclists.
Jerusalem was a sought-after tourist destination because of its rich historical. Elkin stated that, in addition to its historic treasures, modern tourism is also incorporated into Jerusalem's city. https://nevefrietzki.co.il/ "The inauguration (of this tunnel project) is a further step in the growth of Jerusalem and it's transformation into a sought-after city to visit for all kinds of visitors across Israel and around the globe."
Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that the ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the improvement of all aspects of Jerusalem's tourism and also in the development of innovative activities and ventures that connect the rich history of our capital city's eternal past to its future... I encourage all cyclists to visit and enjoy the contemporary, well-maintained road which overlooks Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation all contributed to the project. The Jerusalem Development Authority completed the project.
Elkin stressed, "The Kerem Tunnel project is a key instrument for achieving our dream to change the concept transportation throughout Jerusalem." Elkin explained that the proposed tunnel connects with the Jerusalem Ring Path and will join existing bike routes. It will also be paved in its different areas. The tunnel will be a great way to help cyclists and promote green transport in Jerusalem.
The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 to move the main sewer from 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 crucial tool for achieving the vision to transform Jerusalem's transport system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee
The works currently underway include road construction, installation of blowers, as well as advanced safety and electrical systems to make the tunnel safe for the public to pass through at all times of the year.
The Kerem Tunnel allows for access to unique recreational areas, for instance Ein Kerem, a neighborhood that includes a biblical aquarium and zoo, as well as ancient natural springs Ein Haniyeh and Ein Laban.