Israel Approves Major Road Project to Ease Sharon Region Traffic

Israel's National Council for Planning and Construction has approved a plan to build the Alexander Interchange and upgrade Highway 553, a project aimed at significantly improving transportation in the Sharon region. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and managed by Cross Israel, will create a direct link between Sharon communities, including Tayibe, Tirah, and Kadima-Tzoran, to Highway 6. The upgraded Highway 553 will be expanded to two lanes in each direction, and the new Alexander Interchange will connect Highways 6, 444, and 553.

The Ministry of Transport anticipates the project will enhance accessibility and connectivity in the Sharon area, reduce traffic congestion on local roads like Highways 2 and 4, and support the region's future development. The upgraded highway will serve as a key regional artery, providing faster access to the national road network. The plan also includes the construction of sidewalks and bicycle paths to improve safety and accessibility for all road users.

This development follows closely on the heels of another transportation approval last week: the "Contract of the State" interchange on Highway 2 near Altneuland Road, also known as "Harav Mechir." This interchange is expected to connect Herzliya and Ramat HaSharon, alleviating traffic around the Sira Interchange.

The Sharon region has seen substantial transportation upgrades recently, including the opening of a segment of the Eastern Railway line, which will eventually connect Hadera and Lod. Guy Leviyan, acting CEO of Cross Israel, stated that the approval is a significant step, emphasizing that the Alexander Interchange and Highway 553 upgrade will address growing transportation needs, improve access to communities, and reduce traffic, supporting the area's growth and residents' quality of life.