The Kerem Tunnel is a great location to go on a hike or ride.
The Kerem Tunnel, the first bicycle tunnel in Israel was opened in the Jerusalem Ring Path, a 42-kilometer cycle path that runs around Jerusalem, Israel's capital city.
The tunnel links Nahal Refaim with Emek Motza. https://www.themarker.com/labels/2022-09-12/ty-article-labels/00000183-31c8-d6c9-a197-79cd96360000 Its southern entry is located in Refaim Park under Ein Laban. The northern entrance, Nahal Ein Kerem, is about half a kilometer away from the Nahal Ein Kerem junction.
https://www.news1.co.il/ShowArticles.aspx?docId=459025&subjectId=42&ShowAll=True The 2.1-kilometer-long tunnel was officially inaugurated by Jerusalem's Heritage Minister ZeevElkin. The ceremony was also attended by Mayor Moshelion, Avi Balehnikov, Gihon Water Company Chairman, and hundreds of cyclists.
נווה פריצקי Jerusalem was once very well-known tourist destination due to its historical past. נווה פריצקי Today, apart from its rich history the city also offers modern-day tourism." Elkin said. "The inauguration[of] the tunnel is an additional aspect of the growth of Jerusalem and its transformation to an attractive tourist destination for all types throughout Israel and around the world.
Elkin's ministry, which was also headed the project alongside Jerusalem Municipality, declared that his ministry "invests hundreds and millions of shekels every year in all aspects of Jerusalem’s tourism and in creating exciting attractions and ventures which connect the glorious historic past of our eternal capital and the future." I invite cycling enthusiasts to come and enjoy a modern and well-maintained cycling route that overlooks the special nature of Old Jerusalem."
נווה פריצקי Elkin's Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Jerusalem Municipality and Gihon Corporation contributed approximately NIS 25 million for the project. נווה פריצקי Work was performed by the Jerusalem Development Authority.
נווה פריצקי Elkin stressed that "The Kerem Tunnel Project is an essential tool for achieving the dream to change the way we think about transport in Jerusalem." "The new tunnel connecting to Jerusalem Ring Path will join existing paths for bicycles and those that will paved in its neighborhoods. It is intended to encourage biking among the residents of Jerusalem and encourage the green movement in Jerusalem."
In the 1990s, the Kerem Tunnel was excavated to relocate the main sewer line of Gihon Corporation to the Sorek purification plant. https://ashdodnet.com/%D7%A6%D7%A8%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%A1%D7%A7%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%A9-%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%A8-%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%95%D7%94-%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%A7%D7%99-%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%96%D7%99%D7%90%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%94%D7%A9%D7%A2%D7%95%D7%95%D7%94-%D7%A9%D7%9C%D7%A0%D7%95-%D7%97%D7%99%D7%99%D7%91-%D7%9C%D7%94%D7%92%D7%99%D7%A2-%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%9D-1-%D7%91%D7%92%D7%95%D7%92%D7%9C-516889 It is currently used for infrastructure purposes and also houses the fifth water line to Jerusalem from the Mekorot water company.
"The Kerem tunnel project is the central instrument for achieving the goal of changing the way of transport in Jerusalem. "
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
The current works 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 throughout the year.
The Kerem Tunnel provides access to exclusive recreation spots, including Ein Kerem neighbourhood, the biblical aquarium and zoo , as well as the natural springs of historical significance Ein Haniyeh, Ein Laban Ein Laban, and Ein Haniyeh.