New Coastal Highway Interchange to Ease Traffic Congestion

A new "State Covenant" interchange is set to be constructed, connecting the employment zones of Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon directly. This project, approved by the Tel Aviv District Planning Administration, aims to alleviate traffic on the busy Sira Interchange and Highway 2 (the Coastal Highway).

The "State Covenant" interchange, previously known as the "Bestseller" interchange, will feature a unique steel arch bridge, the first of its kind in Israel. This main bridge, spanning 83.3 meters and 45 meters wide, will accommodate vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. The design also includes a dedicated public transport lane along Highway 2 from the Sira Interchange to Glilot, alongside other traffic flow improvements.

This development is expected to benefit residents of the Sharon region, commuters, and visitors to the Herzliya Pituah business and leisure complex. The area is projected to receive a light rail line by 2030, further enhancing connectivity.

The interchange is envisioned as part of a future metropolitan axis, creating a seamless connection from the coastline to Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon, offering an alternative to the congested Shivat HaKochavim axis. Additional connecting bridges, such as the "Galil Yam" bridge over the Ayalon Highway (Highway 20), are planned for the future.

Erez Ben-Eliyahu, the district planner, stated that the project creates a more efficient and compact transportation solution, freeing up land for urban development and open spaces while prioritizing public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists. He emphasized this approach as the correct way to plan infrastructure in dense urban areas, reducing road space for more city and resident use.