New Highway Interchange to Ease Traffic Between Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon

A new highway interchange, known as "Hozeh HaMedinah" or "HaRav Mekar," is set to be constructed on Highway 2 (the Coastal Road) near Altneuland Road, connecting Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon. The project, approved by Tel Aviv District planner Erez Ben-Eliyahu of the Planning Administration, aims to create a vital new transport link between the developing employment zones of North Glilot in Ramat Hasharon and Herzliya Pituah, as well as the coastal strip.

The interchange is designed to alleviate traffic congestion at the existing Sira Interchange and the Seven Stars junction by providing an additional connection point. A central arched bridge will span Highway 2, facilitating east-west movement. This main bridge will be 83.3 meters long and 45 meters wide, accommodating vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Beyond private vehicles, the design incorporates a dedicated bicycle path, sidewalks, and a shaded promenade. Additionally, a continuous public transport lane is planned on the Highway 2 level, extending from the Sira Interchange to the Glilot area. The project, which has been advanced over the past two years by Netivei Ayalon and the Israel Land Authority after a period of being frozen, is intended to be part of a future metropolitan axis linking the coastal region with the city centers of Herzliya and Ramat Hasharon.

A key feature of the updated design is the "Road Diet" principle, which replaces the original plan for wide road loops with a more compact structure. This approach significantly reduces the land required for the interchange, freeing up dozens of dunams for urban development, public open spaces, and parks. Ben-Eliyahu stated that the compact design allows for the allocation of substantial land for urban development and open spaces while also prioritizing public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists.