The tunnel road expansion project is now complete!

The project to double and upgrade highway 60 (the tunnel road) to Jerusalem was completed and opened to traffic this morning, Wednesday. With the opening of the new southern road tunnel, the last part of the project was completed, and now provides improved access to Jerusalem from the south and from Beit Shemesh.

The road upgrade was carried out as part of a joint project of the Transport Ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality by the Moriah Jerusalem Development Company. This modern, safe and upgraded road will significantly ease traffic congestion in the area.

The project, with an investment of about one billion shekels, included the upgrading of the existing tunnels, the addition of two new tunnels and the construction of a new bridge, parallel to the existing bridge. The renovated road includes two tunnels approximately 900m long in the southern section (toward Jerusalem), and two tunnels approximately 300m long in the northern section (toward Gush Etzion). The tunnels are connected by two new  bridges about 360m long. As well as the construction of the new tunnels, the old tunnels and the existing bridge were also upgraded.

The tunnels include a new public transport lane (PTL) that will be operated in an alternating format during rush hours. In the morning rush hour, the lane will be open taking traffic into Jerusalem; and during the afternoon rush hour the direction of travel in the PTL will change, towards Gush Etzion. The final outline for the operation of the PTL will be determined soon.

Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Brigadier General Miri Regev said "This is a mega-project of upgrading and expanding the tunnel road, which opens the southern entrance to Jerusalem, and connects it to the settlements of Gush Etzion, Kiryat Arba, Efrat, Beitar Illit and Hebron. This is a project of strategic importance, providing security and safety as well as easier transport. The time has come for the residents of 'Otef Jerusalem' to enjoy a smooth and safe journey on their way to the capital, where many of them work, study, shop and hang out."

The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon said "Jerusalem is moving forward! The tunnel road is open! The capital city has been undergoing a real revolution in infrastructure in recent years, which is reflected not only in the development of the city itself, but also in the improvement of the access roads to it. Getting to the city is becoming more convenient and safer! Another huge project is now complete and there are many more ahead of us - because all roads lead to Jerusalem!"

Director General of the Transport Ministry, Moshe Ben Zaken said "Although the project was carried out during a difficult period and under security constraints and staffing problems due to the war, the project managers, contractors and workers put in all their efforts and completed the project on time and within the stipulated budget. From east and west, north and south, we are opening new and upgraded entrances to Jerusalem, as befits Israel's eternal capital - and we will continue this way in the future as well."

Photo credit: Shai Shahar, courtesy of Moriah Jerusalem Development Company

-------

©ShemeshOnline / Chat with the ShemeshBot!
To get updates, news and events in Beit Shemesh, join our no-chatter WhatsApp group!
Choose the way you want to get updates: https://yes.shemesh.co.il/social/