Neve Paritzki (נווה פריצקי)Jerusalem's first cycling tunnel opened in Israel

The Kerem Tunnel allows for a an experience that is unique in terms of hiking and riding.
As part of the 42-kilometer Jerusalem Ring Path cycling route that runs around the capital, the Kerem Tunnel was inaugurated.

The tunnel is a link between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. Its southern entrance is in Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entry, Nahal Ein Kerem, is just half a kilometer away from the Kerem junction.

The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was officially inaugurated at a formal ceremony on Thursday attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'evElkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov, and a slew of cyclists.

Jerusalem was once a major tourist attraction due to its rich past. Elkin said that today in addition to its historical treasures it also incorporates modern tourists. "The launch of the tunnel project is another part of the development of Jerusalem as a city. Jerusalem and its transformation into a dazzling tourist destination for all kinds of visitors in Israel and around the globe."

Elkin the minister whose ministry as well as the Jerusalem Municipality led the project, said that his ministry "invests hundreds to millions of shekels each year to develop all aspects of Jerusalem's tourists and in the creation and operation of exciting attractions, ventures and attractions which connect the rich past of Jerusalem to its future". I encourage cyclists to come and enjoy an up-to-date and well-maintained cycling route that offers a view of the unique nature of Old Jerusalem."

נווה פריצקי The project was funded by the Elkin's Ministry and the Tourism Ministry. It also included the budgets for the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation. The work was completed by the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Elkin said that "The Kerem Tunnel Project is an essential tool for achieving the goal to change the way we think about transportation throughout Jerusalem." "The new tunnel that connects to the Jerusalem Ring Path will join existing paths for bicycles and those that will paved in the neighborhoods. It is intended to promote biking among the residents of Jerusalem and encourage the green movement in Jerusalem."

The Kerem Tunnel was originally excavated in 1990 to move the main sewer from Gihon Corporation towards the Sorek purification facility. The plant is located west of Sorek and is currently used as an infrastructure tunnel.

"The Kerem Tunnel project is an essential tool for achieving the dream of transforming Jerusalem's transportation model. "

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lee
Construction of roads, the installation and testing of electrical and safety systems are some of the ongoing efforts to ensure the tunnel is safe for all seasons.

There is also the Kerem Tunnel to enjoy unique places to relax, such as Ein Kerem, the Biblical aquarium, zoo and Ein Kerem neighborhood.