The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique ride and hiking experience which is 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 Jerusalem, the capital city.
The tunnel runs along the Nahal Refaim-Emek Mostza route. The tunnel's southern entrance is beneath Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance is found in Nahal Ein Kerem.
The 2.1-kilometers-long tunnel project was officially inaugurated during a celebration on Thursday attended by Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Ze'evElkin, Mayor Moshe Lion, Gihon water company chairman Avi Baleshnikov and hundreds of cyclists.
"In the past, Jerusalem was an attractive city for tourists because of its rich history. In the present, in addition to its historical treasures the city also offers modern-day tourism." נווה פריצקי Elkin said. "The inauguration of [this] tunnel project is a further part of the growth of Jerusalem as a city. Jerusalem as well as its development into a desirable city that is attractive to all types of people in Israel as well as around the globe."
Elkin his ministry, which responsible for the project, along with Jerusalem Municipality stated that his ministry has invested thousands of shekels annually in the city's tourism development as well as in creating new ventures and attractions that connect the stunning historic past with the future of Jerusalem. I invite all cyclists to come and take a ride along the modern, well-maintained route which overlooks Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's Ministry and the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.
Elkin said that the Kerem Tunnel project is an important tool in realizing the vision to transform the idea of transport throughout Jerusalem. "The tunnel, which connects to the long Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect the existing bike routes in the city as well as those that are paved in the various neighborhoods in the hope of encouraging cycling among the city's residents as well as its visitors as well as in promoting the green revolution in transportation in Jerusalem."
In the late 1990s, the Kerem Tunnel was excavated to relocate the main sewer line from Gihon Corporation to the Sorek purification plant. It is now utilized for infrastructure purposes and is also home to the fifth water line that connects to Jerusalem by the Mekorot water company.
"The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument to achieve the vision of changing Jerusalem's transportation model. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
The works currently underway include road construction, the installation of blowers, as well as advanced security and electrical systems to make the tunnel safe for people to walk through all year round.
Kerem Tunnel Kerem Tunnel provides access to special recreation areas, such as Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo , as well the historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.