Drivers Warned of Severe Rosh Hashanah Travel Gridlock

Israel's Traffic Division is issuing an urgent warning to drivers ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, anticipating severe traffic congestion across the country. Hundreds of thousands of families are expected to travel for holiday meals and vacations, leading to extensive traffic jams from north to south. The peak congestion is predicted for around 4:00 PM on Friday, just two hours before the holiday begins, as many drivers attempt last-minute travel.

Major transportation arteries are expected to be heavily impacted. This includes Routes 1 and 443 approaching Jerusalem, and Route 6 will experience prolonged jams along its entire length, particularly in central sections heading north. Along the coastal plain, Routes 2 and 4 will see significant congestion from the central region through the Sharon area up to Haifa. Travelers heading north and towards the Sea of Galilee area should expect major delays on Routes 65 and 77.

To manage the expected surge, the Israel Police has deployed hundreds of officers, volunteers, marked and unmarked patrol cars, motorcycles, and observation equipment to key junctions and routes. These forces will focus on regulating traffic, providing rapid assistance for incidents, and strictly enforcing traffic laws against dangerous driving behaviors such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving.

The Traffic Division urges drivers to depart as early as possible, stay updated on real-time navigation apps, and exercise patience. They emphasize that while family gatherings are important, safety on the road must be the top priority, advising drivers to be courteous, attentive, and ensure a safe arrival for themselves and their loved ones.