Isn’t it interesting how a stream can shape history? This is Nahal Revida. It is more than just a waterway. Nahal Revida has played a crucial role in Jerusalem’s development.
Nahal Revida’s story is intertwined with Highway 16. This highway is also known as Ariel Sharon Blvd. Highway 16 provides access to Jerusalem’s southern and central areas. Most of the road runs through tunnels. An interchange sits above ground in the Nahal Revida valley. This connects to Derech Yosef Weitz leading to Givat Shaul.
Originally, Highway 16 was to skirt Har Nof’s slopes. A tunnel would begin at Nahal Revida. This plan faced opposition from environmental groups. They worried about damage to the Jerusalem Forest. The plan changed to include a tunnel under Har Nof. An interchange would be above ground at Nahal Revida.
In 2003, the project paused for environmental studies. An alternative to the Nahal Revida Interchange was considered. By 2007, a plan was adopted pending reviews. In 2010, the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Transport agreed on indemnity. Building responsibility shifted to the National Roads Company of Israel.
A plan for a long tunnel with an underground Nahal Revida Interchange was rejected. It was rejected for economic reasons. It also needed massive ventilation that would damage the forest.
The plan was approved in 2011 after public review. In 2012, the plan was approved and budgeted. In August 2018, the construction contract was awarded. Construction began in 2019. It finished in 2022. The project cost about 1.5 billion shekels. It opened a year early on August 31, 2022.
The highway connects Highway 1 at Motza Interchange. It also connects Jerusalem’s Highway 50 at Givat Mordechai Interchange. The road runs through tunnels under Har Nof and Yefeh Nof. It also goes under the parking lots of Shaare Zedek Medical Center. The speed limit is 80 km/h.
In 2021, part of Shaare Zedek’s parking lot collapsed. Seven cars fell into a sinkhole. The sinkhole was deep. A palm tree could fall into it vertically. The cause may have been a cave or space near the tunnel. Also, water from the Gihon water company may have permeated the ground.
Critics note that the road ends at a traffic light. This causes congestion. Tunnels to connect to Begin Highway are expected in the late-2020s. Other criticisms include the budget. It could have been used for public transportation. The project disrupted the Motza and Revida valleys’ habitat. This included an archaeological site that was reburied.
Despite the challenges, Nahal Revida remains a vital spot. It is part of Jerusalem’s infrastructure. It is also a reminder of the balance between development and nature.
So, as you stand here at Nahal Revida, consider its past. Think about its present. And imagine its future. It is a story of roads, of nature, and of Jerusalem itself.