New Interchange to Connect Coastal Highway to Herzliya Business Areas

Israel's Planning Administration is advancing the construction of a new interchange on the Coastal Highway (Highway 2) designed to create a direct link between the business districts of Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon. The interchange, known as 'Hozé HaMedina' or 'HaRav Mecher,' is situated near Altneuland Road and aims to provide an alternative to the congested routes in the area, specifically reducing reliance on the existing Glilot and Ha'Sira interchanges.

The project, which has been in development for two years by Ayalon Highways and Israel Land Authority after a period of being frozen, will connect the developing business zone in northern Glilot with Herzliya Pituah and the coastline. The design includes a prominent arched bridge over Highway 2 for east-west transit, which will also feature a bicycle path, sidewalks, and a shaded promenade, distinguishing it from purely road-based interchanges.

In parallel, a continuous public transportation lane is planned along the Coastal Highway between the Ha'Sira interchange and Glilot. The updated plan incorporates a 'road diet' principle, utilizing a more compact design that has freed up tens of dunams of land for urban development and open public spaces, according to the Planning Administration.

Future plans envision the interchange integrating into a broader metropolitan axis connecting the coastal region with the centers of Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon, including complementary bridges like the Galil Yam bridge over Highway 20.