Netanyahu at dedication ceremony for new interchange
Netanyahu at dedication ceremony for new interchangeEliran Aharon

From today on, 12 minutes of travel will separate between the so-called “Tunnel Road -” Route 60 from Gush Etzion to southern Jerusalem - and Route 443, starting north of Jerusalem and heading northwest towards Modiin. The “Rosemarin Interchange” on the Begin Highway, that cuts through Jerusalem in the north-south direction, was unveiled today in a ceremony that saw the participation of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz.

The interchange includes two levels and a 77-yard long tunnel. The lower level will provide a direct connection to the Tunnel Road from the Begin Highway.

Now, it will be possible to cross Jerusalem with continuous travel - without having to stop for traffic signals - from Route 60 south of Jerusalem to Route 443 north of Jerusalem. The interchange will open to drivers tonight.

Gush Etzion Regional Council head Shlomo Ne’eman blessed the new interchange, asserting that “The issue of traffic jams and travel time for Gush Etzion residents is something we have to deal with on a daily basis. Thank G-d, Gush Etzion is today at the center of the transportation revolution which is gaining strength. We praise the building of the interchange and hope that the momentum in building will only become stronger, whether with respect to infrastructure or new housing units and the blossoming of businesses and tourism.”

נאום רה"מ בטקס חנוכת מחלף רוזמרין החדש