Shapir Group Wins Tender to Extend Israel's Highway 6 Northward

The inter-ministerial tender committee announced on Thursday that Shapir Engineering Group won the competitive tender to finance, build, operate, and maintain the northern extension of Highway 6, from the Somekh interchange to Beit HaEmek. The project is estimated to cost 2 billion shekels, with the total value over the construction and operation period reaching approximately 12 billion shekels, according to the Finance, Transportation Ministries, and Cross-Israel Highway Company.

The extension will include about 22 kilometers of a three-lane dual carriageway and the construction of three new interchanges: Avlayim, Mekhar, and Beit HaEmek. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the road opening to the public in 2030. Following the announcement, Shapir's stock surged 6% at market opening.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev described the extension as a strategic development for the Galilee region, emphasizing its role in connecting Israel from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat, reducing travel times, easing congestion, enhancing transportation security, and boosting northern economic growth. Oren Cohen, head of Shapir's franchising division, called the win strategic for the group, highlighting their expertise in financing, accelerated construction, operation, and maintenance. Shapir currently holds the concession for segments 3 and 7 of Highway 6 and expressed pride in leading another national project to improve connectivity and regional development in northern Israel.