Chaos in Jerusalem: Central traffic artery to be completely closed for two years starting August 18
One of Jerusalem's central traffic routes is scheduled to close starting next week due to infrastructure work. Consequently, changes are expected in public transport routes and traffic lanes. Drivers are requested to use navigation apps.
Jerusalem residents, take note: Starting from midnight between Monday and Tuesday (August 18, 5th of Elul), new and extensive traffic arrangements will come into effect in the Liberty Bell Park (Gan HaPaamon) area and Derech Beit Lehem street. As part of infrastructure development work, the street will be blocked to traffic in both directions on the section between David Remez junction (gas station) and Emek Refaim junction. The closure is expected to last about two years.
This is a significant change in the traffic map of the city's south and center. Drivers and public transport passengers are asked to be patient, stay updated on alternative routes, and prepare for expected congestion.
Major changes will apply to private vehicle traffic:
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From the city center towards Derech Beit Lehem and Emek Refaim: detour via Jabotinsky, Yitzhak Elhanan, and Segen Kohen streets.
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From Derech Beit Lehem towards the city center: detour via Martin Luther King, Yitzhak Elhanan, and Jabotinsky streets.
Opening of sections on Emek Refaim street:
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The section between Segen Kohen and Martin Luther King will be reopened to traffic in the northbound direction.
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The section between Derech Beit Lehem and Martin Luther King will be open to traffic in both directions.
Additionally, parking will be canceled on Jabotinsky street (between King David and Shalom Aleichem) and on the eastern side of Martin Luther King street. Entry and exit to the parking lot will be possible through a new passage from Martin Luther King street. Exit from the Sonol gas station on Derech Beit Lehem will be possible to David Remez street, in the southbound direction only. Entry from King David street remains unchanged. Entry to Sh.A. Nachon street is possible by turning left from King David street for those coming from the north, with exit only to King David street.
For pedestrians, the sidewalks on the western side of King David and David Remez streets will be temporarily closed. Passage is possible through Liberty Bell Park or via the eastern sidewalk. For cyclists, a new connection has been made between the bike paths on Derech Beit Lehem and the bike path on King David street (near Bloomfield Garden), plus a connection to the path rising from Liberty Bell Park to Yehuda Amichai Square.
Significant changes will apply to bus routes:
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Affected lines in the northbound direction: 7 (to Givat Ram), 8 (to King David), 34 (to Mount Scopus), 49 (to Neve Yaakov). Buses will travel via Martin Luther King and Yitzhak Elhanan streets. Canceled stop: Liberty Bell Park / Derech Beit Lehem (stop 1056).
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Affected lines in the southbound direction: All lines traveling south will detour via Yitzhak Elhanan street. Lines 34 (to Talpiot) and 49 (to Rozmarin) will travel via Segen Kohen and Emek Refaim streets. Lines 77, 77a (to Malha) and 97 (to Ramat Rachel) will continue via Dubnov street. Line 8 (back to Talpiot) will go down Segen Kohen street to Emek Refaim and return via Martin Luther King street. Canceled stop: Liberty Bell Park / Derech Beit Lehem (stop 1058).
Lines remaining unchanged: 18 (to Binyanei HaUma), 77/77a (to French Hill), 97 (to Ramat Rachel), and all lines traveling on David Remez street.
