New Interchange to Ease Coastal Highway Traffic and Connect Cities

A new interchange, dubbed "Chozeh HaMedinah" (State's Covenant) or "HaRav Mekar," has been approved for construction on Israel's Coastal Highway (Highway 2) near the Altneuland Road. The project, spearheaded by the Tel Aviv District planner at the Planning Administration, architect Erez Ben-Eliyazer, aims to create a direct link between Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon, offering an alternative to the congested Sira Interchange area.

The interchange will feature an arched bridge spanning the Coastal Highway, facilitating east-west movement and connecting the developing industrial zone in northern Glilot (Ramat Hasharon) with the Herzliya Pituah industrial area and the coastline. This project, which saw accelerated progress after a period of being frozen, is designed not only for vehicles but also includes a bicycle path, sidewalks, and a shaded promenade for pedestrians and cyclists.

Additionally, a continuous public transportation lane is planned at the Coastal Highway level, linking the Sira Interchange to the Glilot area as part of a broader transportation upgrade. The updated design adopts a compact "road diet" approach, significantly reducing the land required for infrastructure compared to wider road loops, freeing up dozens of dunams for urban development and open spaces.

Ben-Eliyazer stated that the Chozeh HaMedinah interchange is more than just a solution for traffic congestion; it's a move that connects two cities and significant employment centers within the metropolitan area. He highlighted the new design as a more efficient and compact transportation solution that also allocates space for public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists.