Weekend Travel Chaos Expected Due to Weather and Roadwork
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israel anticipates major traffic jams and public transport disruptions this weekend due to infrastructure work on Ayalon Highway and a severe weather forecast. Ayalon Highway will be closed in sections from Thursday night to Sunday morning. Heavy rain and potential flooding are expected across the country. Israel Railways will operate split or shortened schedules for several lines, with free shuttle services offered.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ayalon Highway (Route 20) will face complete closures for infrastructure work from Thursday night to Sunday morning.
- Severe weather is forecast, with heavy rain and potential flooding expected across Israel.
- Police are advising the public to avoid non-essential travel this weekend.
- Several Israel Railways lines will operate on split or shortened schedules.
- Free shuttle services will be provided for affected train passengers.
Israel is bracing for significant traffic disruptions this weekend, November 5-8, 2026, due to a combination of extensive infrastructure work and a forecast for severe weather. The Israel Electric Corporation will be undertaking complex projects to replace power cables crossing Ayalon Highway (Route 20) and the railway lines, necessitating complete closures of Ayalon Highway in both directions during specific periods. These closures are scheduled from Thursday night, November 5th, until Friday afternoon, November 6th, and again from Saturday night, November 7th, until Sunday morning, November 8th. The police are advising the public to avoid non-essential travel, recommending alternative routes such as Highways 2, 4, and 5, and urging drivers to use navigation apps like Waze for real-time updates.
In parallel, a significant storm system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, potentially causing widespread flooding and flash floods, particularly in central Israel. The Meteorological Service forecasts precipitation exceeding 100mm in many areas from Friday morning through Sunday. Authorities are issuing warnings against crossing flooded roads, entering underground areas like basements and parking garages during floods, and traveling to wadis or flood-prone zones.
The disruptions will also impact public transportation. Israel Railways announced that several key lines will operate on a split or shortened schedule on Friday and Saturday. Lines connecting central and southern Israel to northern cities will be divided into northern and southern segments, with passengers needing to transfer in Tel Aviv or Herzliya. Other lines will terminate earlier than usual in Tel Aviv. Free shuttle services will be provided to compensate for the canceled train segments. Train services are expected to return to normal by early Sunday morning, November 8th.
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