Zoning board okays plans to widen Jerusalem - Tel Aviv highway
By Sharon Kedmi 25/01/2007
Haaretz
The National Infrastructure Committee last night approved plans to
upgrade Road 1 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which will transform it
into a three-lane highway at a cost of NIS 2.5 billion.
The statutory processes should be completed by the end of the year,
and 2008 will be dedicated to detailed planning. If the necessary
funding is found, work can begin in 2009 and will continue over three
years.
The project's main purpose is to improve and pave the road according
to safety standards that will enable a steady flow of traffic along
its entire route. The project will include the drilling of a 600-meter
tunnel beneath the Harel interchange and Mevasseret Zion, connecting
the road to new entrances into Jerusalem, and upgrading the Shoresh,
Neve Ilan, Hemed and Harel interchanges.
Special attention is being given to upgrading without interfering with
traffic flow or closing lanes. Efforts to cooperate with environmental
groups have helped its plans obtain unanimous approval.
The Israel National Road Company noted that the road's main problems
include the lack of an additional lane and proper shoulders on both
sides of the road. In addition, geometric improvements at certain
relatively unsafe sections are required.
There are two routes leading into to Jerusalem from the west - Road 1
and Road 443 from Modi'in.
According to forecasts, there will be a need to substantially upgrade
the current network, which is on the brink of collapse, while
conditions during heavy traffic hours are an intolerable nuisance for
drivers. The final road system leading to the capital will include a
complete upgrade of Road 1, construction of missing intersections on
Road 443, completion of a train line, and new road from Road 6 near
Kiryat Malachi to the Begin Highway near Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium via
Tsur Hadassa.