During the next few months, the Jerusalem Municipality, in
conjunction with the Moriah Company for the Development of
Jerusalem and the Transportation Ministry, will proceed on
significant new work at the junction of the Golda Meir-
Menachem Begin(`highway 4)-Yigal Yadin (highway 9) avenues,
located between Ramot, Ramat Shlomo and Givat Zev, and the
closer areas of Har Chotzvim, Ezras Torah and Sanhedria
Murchevet. The results will lessen traffic loads, especially
for the residents of Ramot and Ramat Shlomo who undergo daily
struggles to reach the center of town on time.
In the wake of the appeal of these residents to Rabbi Uri
Maklev, it was decided to grant top priority to the problems.
The highways are highly congested, especially as a result of
the settling of the city of Modi'in and Kiryat Sefer and the
broadening of highway 443 (the northern approach to Jerusalem
through Modi'in and Givat Zev) which has become popular for
those entering Jerusalem.
In the framework of this expansion work, the Yadin-Golda Meir
junction will also be expanded in order to enable drivers
to make a left turn into the Begin Expressway and
alternatively into the Sanhedria neighborhood, something
which will ease the situation of the residents of Ramat
Shlomo. The expansion will span the entire area from the
intersection at Golda Meir Boulevard to the exit of Yadin
Avenue to Derech Shechem, the French Hill and the eastern
approaches of the city from Maale Adumim and the Jordan River
valley.
Additional expansion will take place at the Begin junction
for those coming from Begin toward Golda Meir Avenue, where
they will be able to make a left turn without a light. By the
same token, improvements will be made at the exit to Givat
Shaul, where the road will be expanded to include three
lanes, including curbs, and a sidewalk for pedestrians at the
western side of the road.
Columns are currently being erected at the intersection, in
preparation for the new bridge which will enable drivers to
turn from the entrance to Jerusalem via Begin onto Yadin,
without having to stop at the traffic light at the Golda Meir
intersection. A loop will also be built for the benefit of
those exiting from Road 9. These improvements,too, will ease
the situation of the residents Ramat Shlomo. Possibilities of
installing traffic inlets for buses at the sides of the
expanded roads are being examined.
