Good news for Beit Shemesh: The Ministry of Transportation has officially approved the installation of the city's first-ever traffic lights. This landmark decision follows extensive planning and coordination with engineering experts, the Israel Police, and national transportation authorities. The project also includes a strategic redesign of local traffic patterns.

Where will they be located? The traffic lights will be installed at two major intersections in Ramat Beit Shemesh A:

Nachal Arugot – Nachal Sorek

Nachal Nitzanim – Nachal Sorek

These intersections are notorious for heavy congestion during peak hours. The introduction of traffic lights is designed to regulate flow, improve safety, and provide advanced traffic management.

Major Traffic Flow Changes: The project includes a strategic redesign of local traffic patterns to alleviate bottlenecks near the commercial center:

Nachal Zohar: Will become one-way (exiting the commercial area) to help "unlock" gridlock.

Nachal Arugot: The section between Nachal Ein Gedi and Nachal Sorek will become two-way (currently one-way).

Improved Accessibility: Drivers coming from Nachal Ein Gedi to Nachal Arugot will now be able to go straight or turn left, rather than being forced to turn right. See the illustration above.

Timeline: Construction is scheduled to begin after Pesach. The project was initiated by the Beit Shemesh Municipality’s Traffic Department.

Mayor Shmuel Greenberg said "This is a significant move to solve years of accumulated congestion in RBS A. After thorough planning, we are implementing a solution that will truly improve our residents' quality of life."

Acting Mayor Shimon Goldberg said "This is a strategic shift - replacing roundabouts with traffic lights at select locations to manage traffic flow more efficiently and safely. We are launching a long-term plan to tackle traffic loads on the city’s main arteries."