Starting Saturday night: The closure that will disrupt traffic in the center for two weeks

Two weeks of traffic disruptions are expected in the area of the Keren Kayemet bridge in Tel Aviv-Yafo: starting from this coming Saturday night (15.8), maintenance, restoration, and safety works will begin on the bridge, during which traffic lanes will be blocked intermittently in both directions.

The first phase will begin on Saturday night, August 15, at 23:30, and will continue until Friday, August 21, at 06:00. Throughout this period, traffic lanes on the Keren Kayemet bridge from west to east will be closed for works to replace the bridge's expansion joints.

During the closure, the entrance to Highway 20 southbound from the Keren Kayemet interchange will remain open as usual. When exiting from Ayalon South, a right turn onto Keren Kayemet Boulevard will be allowed, but a left turn onto the bridge will not be possible. From Ayalon North, a left turn will be allowed, and at the same time, a safe passage for pedestrians will be maintained on the northern part of the bridge.

What you need to know about the closures

The disruptions will not end after the first week. The second phase of the works will begin on the following Saturday night, August 22, at 23:30, and will continue until Friday, August 28, at 06:00. This time, traffic lanes on the bridge will be closed in the opposite direction – from east to west. A detailed announcement regarding traffic arrangements for this phase is expected to be published close to the start of the works.

Despite the closures on the bridge, the Ayalon lanes themselves – Highway 20 – will remain open to traffic throughout the entire period of the works. However, due to the expected changes in the interchange area, it is estimated that heavy traffic congestion will occur, and drivers are asked to prepare in advance and use alternative routes.

Public transport in the area will also be affected by the works, and changes are expected in line routes and station locations in the relevant sections. The works will be carried out with the accompaniment of traffic inspectors and in coordination with the Israel Police.

The works are defined as necessary safety works and are being promoted by the Ministry of Transport and the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality through the Ayalon Highways company. Drivers are advised to check their travel route in advance and stay updated on changes before setting out.