Israel Approves Major Road Project to Ease Traffic Between Herzliya and Ramat HaSharon

A significant transportation project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion between Herzliya and Ramat HaSharon in central Israel has received approval for construction. The project involves building a new interchange on Coastal Highway No. 2, designed to provide an alternative route for thousands of drivers and reduce the burden on problematic road sections. The permit was signed by Erez Ben-Eliezer, the district planner for the Tel Aviv district.

The new interchange, located near the Altneuland road, will create a direct connection between the growing business zones of Northern Gilonot in Ramat HaSharon, Herzliya Pituah, and the coastal area. A primary goal is to redistribute traffic flow and lessen reliance on the already congested Sirat interchange and the Shivat HaKochavim area.

The centerpiece of the interchange will be an 83.3-meter-long, 45-meter-wide arched bridge spanning Coastal Highway No. 2. This bridge will facilitate movement between the eastern and western parts of the area. The infrastructure will also include a dedicated bicycle path, pedestrian sidewalks, and a shaded promenade, alongside a continuous public transport lane along the coastal road towards Gilonot.

The project, which has been in development for two years, was advanced by the "Ayalon Highways" company and the Israel Land Authority. Its implementation was previously stalled but has now moved to the next phase following the permit issuance.

This interchange is part of a larger redevelopment plan that includes other infrastructure, such as the Galil Yam bridge over Highway No. 20 "Ayalon." The overall aim is to establish a new network of road and urban transport connections in the region. Authorities opted for a more compact interchange design, freeing up dozens of dunams of land for urban development, parks, and public spaces, a departure from earlier plans for large roundabouts.