National Council Approves Alexander Interchange and Route 553 Upgrade Plan
The National Planning and Building Council approved the Ministry of Transportation's plan to build the Alexander Interchange and upgrade Route 553, boosting Sharon region connectivity.
The National Planning and Building Council approved the deposit of the Ministry of Transportation's plan to construct the Alexander Interchange and upgrade Route 553. Promoted via the Cross-Israel Highway company, the project will establish a direct and efficient connection between Sharon region communities, including Tayibe, Tira, and Kadima-Zoran, to Route 6, while incorporating public transportation lanes along the route.
The plan encompasses the widening and extension of Route 553 into a dual-carriageway in each direction alongside the establishment of the new Alexander Interchange at the junction of Routes 6, 444, and 553. According to the Ministry of Transportation, the project is anticipated to significantly enhance accessibility and connectivity throughout the Sharon area, alleviate traffic congestion on regional arteries such as Routes 2 and 4, and support community development in the coming years.
Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure
Furthermore, the upgraded Route 553 will function as a central regional transverse road, connecting Sharon localities rapidly to the national highway network. The initiative will also enhance local connectivity by constructing sidewalks and paving bicycle lanes, thereby reinforcing accessibility and safety for all road users.
Recently, Sharon residents received additional infrastructure news when Tel Aviv District Planner Erez Ben Eliezer signed an authorization to construct the 'Hoze HaMedina' Interchange on the Coastal Road (Route 2), near Altneuland Road. The interchange is projected to forge a new transit connection between Herzliya and Ramat HaSharon while reducing traffic bottlenecks around the HaSira Interchange.
"The approval for depositing the plan is a significant milestone in advancing one of the most critical transportation projects in the Sharon region," stated Guy Levian, Acting CEO of the Cross-Israel Highway company.
Development and Future Transit
The Sharon region has undergone substantial transportation evolution in recent years. In addition to highway developments, a section of the Eastern Railway opened this year, part of a rail line ultimately slated to connect Hadera and Lod.
"The Alexander Interchange and the Route 553 upgrade will address growing transportation demands in the area, improve settlement accessibility and national road network integration, and help mitigate traffic congestion," Levian added.
