The Kerem Tunnel allows for a the most unique riding and hiking experience.
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's first bicycle tunnel, was opened as part of Jerusalem Ring Path. This 42-kilometer cycling route surrounds Jerusalem.
https://www.haaretz.co.il/labels/2022-09-12/ty-article-labels/00000183-31c4-dc67-addb-79d7ffad0000נווה פריצקי The tunnel connects Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. The southern entrance of the tunnel is beneath Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance is located in Nahal Ein Kerem.
נווה פריצקי The 2.1-kilometer long tunnel was officially opened on Thursday, by Jerusalem and the heritage minister Ze'ev Elkin and Moshe Lion, the Mayor. Moshe Lion. Avi Baleshnikov of Gihon Chairman of Gihon, and hundreds other cyclists also attended.
Jerusalem's glorious past was a reason for it to be the most visited tourist spot in the past. נווה פריצקי Elkin stated that the current tourist industry is a part of Jerusalem's historic treasures and incorporates modern day tourism. "The launch of the tunnel is a further step in the development of Jerusalem as a tourism destination for all kinds of people in Israel and all over the world."
Elkin his ministry, which together with the Jerusalem Municipality spearheaded the project, stated that his ministry "invests hundreds of millions of shekels every year in the improvement of Jerusalem's tourism in all its aspects and the development of innovative attractions and ventures that connect the glorious historical past of our eternal capital to its future... I encourage all cyclists to take a trip and enjoy the contemporary, well-maintained road which overlooks Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality and Gihon Corporation contributed approximately NIS 25,000,000 to the project. The project was executed by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
"The Kerem Tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the idea to alter the notion of transportation in Jerusalem," Elkin emphasized. "The tunnel, which is being constructed to connect to the Jerusalem Ring Path will join existing paths for bicycles and those that will paved in its neighborhoods. The goal is to encourage biking among its residents and promote the green revolution in transport in Jerusalem."
In the late 1990s, the Kerem Tunnel was excavated to transfer the main sewer line of Gihon Corporation to the Sorek purification plant. It is now used for infrastructure purposes. https://www.makorrishon.co.il/mumlazim/523585/ It is also home to the fifth water line that connects to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water company.
"The Kerem tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the vision to change the notion of transportation in Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
To make the tunnel accessible to the public all year round, the works include road construction as well as the installation of blowers.
The Kerem Tunnel also allows access to unique recreation sites - including the Ein Kerem neighborhood, the biblical zoo and aquarium along with the historic natural springs in Ein Laban and Ein Haniyeh.