Israel Approves First Metro Station Construction Permit

The National Licensing Authority in the Planning Administration has granted the first permit for metro station construction work in Israel. This approval advances the development of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area's metro network and allows for the commencement of construction on the underground structure of the Ariel Sharon Park station. The station, designated M3017, is part of segment A.1 on Metro Line M3, under National Infrastructure Plan 103. Previously, the project focused on planning and relocating existing infrastructure to clear space for construction. This new permit signifies a transition to building the stations themselves, marking a significant step in one of Israel's largest and most complex transportation projects. The permit covers engineering and infrastructure work, including excavating and removing approximately 300,000 cubic meters of earth, constructing underground support walls to a depth of about 38 meters with nine rows of ground anchors, and preparing the foundation for the station and metro tracks. The construction is projected to take around 25 months. A dedicated staging area will be established, featuring offices, logistics spaces, an earth drying area, a bentonite filtration facility, a water purification plant, a temporary electrical substation, and lighting systems. Access to the site will be via an existing road, with a planned bridge to be completed later. Line M3 is one of three metro lines being developed by NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System Ltd. in the Tel Aviv area, designed to connect residential neighborhoods, employment zones, shopping centers, hospitals, and transportation hubs across cities including Bat Yam, Holon, Ariel Sharon Park, Ono Valley, Tel Hashomer, Petah Tikva, Ramat Hachayal, Kiryat Shaul, Glilot, Ramat HaSharon, and Herzliya. A spur line to Ben Gurion Airport is planned, with a central train operations complex to be built in Or Yehuda. The permit was issued after extensive coordination with infrastructure, environmental, and relevant authorities. An environmental appendix, approved in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, includes directives for monitoring air quality and dust, and mitigating environmental nuisances. Environmental assessments indicate that noise levels are not expected to exceed limits, despite the station's proximity to residential areas and the Shapirim stream. Special guidelines for night lighting and landscape restoration have been set due to the stream's proximity. The plan was coordinated with numerous entities, including the Electric Company, Mekorot, Dan Region Association of Towns for Environmental Services, Bezeq, HOT, Partner, Cellcom, Antiquities Authority, Dan Cities Association, Yarkon River Authority, and the Ariel Sharon Park management. Approval was also received from the Forestry Commissioner, as no mature trees are within the work area.

Ron Regev, Director of the National Licensing Authority in the Planning Administration, stated that the permit marks a significant shift from planning to substantial field engineering work, acknowledging the complexity of underground metro station construction and the need for coordination, detailed planning, and adherence to strict safety and environmental standards. He added that this permit for Ariel Sharon Park station is a crucial foundation for advancing subsequent stations.

Shira Brand, Acting Chairwoman of the National Infrastructure Committee, described the permit as a significant moment in advancing Israel's most important transportation infrastructure project. She noted that after years of complex planning, the project is moving to execution stages, promising to transform the metropolitan landscape and impact millions of residents. The committee is focused on removing obstacles and accelerating national infrastructure development while ensuring environmental and engineering compliance. She emphasized this as a vital first step towards the entire metro network.