The Jerusalem District Court has given the green light to the city to open the new Highway 9 that connects Highway 1 from Tel Aviv to the Begin city bypass, pending the fulfillment of certain conditions. The opening had been delayed because the contractor has not completed work demanded by environmentalists.
The highway, to be opened this week or early next week, will enable drivers from Tel Aviv to skirt the city towards the Malcha Mall without having to encounter any traffic lights or city congestion and will reduce traffic jams at the entrance to the capital. The mile and half road includes three bridges and two tunnels.