Israel's Ayalon Highway Opens New Fast Lanes, Tolls Expected by 2027

Israel is set to open the second phase of its "Fast Lanes" project on the Ayalon Highway, connecting Tel Aviv and Rishon LeZion, during the upcoming holiday period or shortly thereafter. This expansion, part of an NIS 8 billion project led by Netivei Ayalon, includes a new 25-kilometer stretch and a 3,500-space transportation hub in Rishon LeZion. The first phase, launched five months ago, opened an 18-kilometer section from Tel Aviv to Shapirim, featuring a 7,000-space parking lot with free shuttle services to major business centers. Currently, this facility is at 50% capacity, serving approximately 3,500 vehicles daily.

The "Fast Lanes" are operated by "Dan Fast Lanes," a subsidiary of Dan Transportation Group, in a consortium with Danya Cebus and Electra. The project received NIS 4 billion in state funding for infrastructure and the new lanes. Initially, the new lanes will be served by shuttle buses, similar to the first phase, providing free transport to key commercial and employment hubs.

Private vehicles will be permitted to use the fast lanes starting in early 2027, initially requiring at least three passengers. Subsequently, the lanes will transition to a toll road for all private vehicles, with pricing dynamically adjusted based on traffic congestion. The toll system will be calculated based on seven segments along the road, with weekly price adjustments determined by traffic levels and user groups. The system includes a mechanism to temporarily block paying vehicles if average speeds drop below 70 km/h.