|
|
NEWS
Zahal Square to be Lowered to Accommodate Light-Rail
Tracks
by Yated Ne'eman Staff
Jerusalem development company Moriah, Inc. is beginning work
to lower Zahal Square in central Jerusalem at the northwest
corner of the Old City, as part of preparations for the
city's light-rail project, says company CEO Yechiel Lavi.
According to Lavi the entire square will be lowered by 20-70
centimeters to permit safe passage on the train's first line
where the tracks turn from Rechov Hatzanchanim to Rechov
Yaffo and back. The work was made possible following the
construction of a tunnel beneath Rechov Hatzanchanim, which
was opened to traffic in September and which has been
handling the majority of traffic traversing the
intersection.
Shmulik Tzabari, director of the light-rail project, says the
tracks will be laid as soon as the ground level is lowered
and then the urban development of the square, based on
planning by Moshe Safdi, will commence. He says the area of
the square will be transformed into an urban gem, with a safe
walkway from downtown to the promenade alongside the walls of
the Old City leading to Jaffa Gate. The landscaping work will
be carried out by Eden, the development company for central
Jerusalem.
Drivers should take note of the following changes:
No vehicle traffic is permitted from Rechov Hatzanchanim to
Rechov Shlomo Hamelech and Rechov Chativat Yerushalayim. Also
no traffic is permitted from Rechov Shlomo Hamelech to Rechov
Hatzanchanim.
The work will be performed during daylight hours, with the
exception of a small amount which will be done at night and
will continue for eight months. Drivers are advised to use
the Zahal Square Tunnel.
|
