The Kerem Tunnel is a great spot to hike and ride.
The Kerem Tunnel, Israel's first bike tunnel, opened as part of Jerusalem Ring Path. This 42-kilometer cycle route is located around Jerusalem.
The tunnel connects the path between Nahal Refaim and Emek Motza. https://nevefrietzki.co.il/ The tunnel's southern entrance is below Ein Laban in Refaim Park. The northern entrance can be found in Nahal Ein Kerem.
The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was officially opened by Jerusalem's Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin. It was also attended by Mayor Moshelion Avi Balehnikov, Gihon Water Company chairman, and thousands of cyclists.
Jerusalem was a popular tourist destination due to its glorious past. Elkin said that, the present along with its rich history the tunnel project incorporates modern-day tourism. "The launch of the tunnel project is a further part of the development of Jerusalem as a city. Jerusalem and its transformation into a dazzling city that is attractive to all types of people in Israel and throughout the world."
Elkin the minister whose ministry as well as the Jerusalem Municipality led the project, said that the Jerusalem Municipality's ministry "invests hundreds to millions of shekels annually in the development all aspects Jerusalem's tourism and the creation and operation of new attractions, ventures , and other attractions that link the rich history of Jerusalem's eternal city to its future". I invite all cyclists to visit and enjoy the contemporary, well-maintained road which overlooks Old Jerusalem.
Elkin's ministry and the Tourism Ministry budgeted the project.
Elkin stated that the Kerem Tunnel project is an essential tool for achieving the goal to change the way of thinking and transportation throughout Jerusalem. "The tunnel, which is connected to the lengthy Jerusalem Ring Path, will join existing bike routes in the city as well as those that are paved in the various neighborhoods with the aim of encouraging cycling among the city's residents as well as its visitors as well as encouraging the green revolution in transportation in the capital city."
In the 90s in the 1990s, the Kerem Tunnel was excavated to relocate the main sewer line from Gihon Corporation to the Sorek purification plant. It is now utilized as an infrastructure tunnel and also houses the fifth water line that connects to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water company.
"The Kerem tunnel project is central to realizing the goal of changing Jerusalem's transportation system. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
The current works include road construction, installation of blowers and advanced security and electrical systems to ensure the tunnel is safe for pedestrians to travel through all year round.
The Kerem Tunnel allows for access to exclusive recreation areas such as Ein Kerem, a neighborhood which has a Biblical zoo and aquarium and also the historical natural springs Ein Haniyeh and Ein Laban.