The Kerem Tunnel provides a unique ride and hiking experience which is loved by everyone.
The Kerem Tunnel, the first bicycle tunnel in Israel was opened as part of the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycling route that surrounds Jerusalem, Israel’s capital city.
The tunnel links the paths between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The tunnel’s southern entrance is below Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem.
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, and thousands of cyclists.
Jerusalem was a sought-after tourist destination due to its rich historical. Today, apart from its historic treasures, it also incorporates modern tourism.” Elkin said. “The launch of the tunnel project is another stage in the growth of Jerusalem as an attractive tourism destination for all kinds of people from Israel as well as around the world.”
Elkin, whose ministry together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that his ministry “invests hundreds of millions of shekels each year in the improvement of Jerusalem’s tourism in all its aspects and in the creation of exciting tourist attractions and ventures that link the rich history of our capital city’s eternal past to the future of Jerusalem… I would like to invite cyclists to take a relaxing and modern route that takes you through Old Jerusalem.
The project was funded by Elkin’s ministry as well as the Tourism Ministry. It also included budgets for the Jerusalem Municipality and the Gihon Corporation. נווה פריצקי The work was carried out by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
Elkin explained that the Kerem Tunnel project is an important tool in realizing the goal to change the way of thinking and transport throughout Jerusalem. “The tunnel, which is connected to the Jerusalem Ring Path, will connect with existing cycle paths within the city, and will be constructed within the different areas. The tunnel is intended to encourage cycling within its inhabitants, and also to encourage a green transportation revolution in Jerusalem.”
The Kerem Tunnel first was excavated in the late 90s to relocate the main sewer line of the Gihon Corporation towards Sorek. It is currently used as an infrastructure tunnel which includes the fifth waterline to Jerusalem via the Mekorot water corporation.
“The Kerem Tunnel project is a central tool to realize the dream of changing Jerusalem’s transportation model. ”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe León
Road construction, installation, blowers, modern safety systems and electrical wiring are all part of the ongoing construction. The tunnel will be safe for public to use throughout the season.
The Kerem Tunnel gives you access to many recreational sites, such as Ein Kerem Neighborhood, the Biblical Zoo and Aquarium as well as historic natural springs Ein Haniyeh or Ein Laban.
