Carmel Tunnels, Haifa
Israel, Haifa and the north
Roads & Runways
Completed
Carmel Tunnels, Haifa
Israel, Haifa and the north
Roads & Runways
Completed
Ashtrom, in collaboration with a partner, has taken a significant part in constructing the Carmel Tunnels, one of the largest and most complex infrastructure initiatives in Israel to this day. The project included the digging of two pairs of tunnels and a central interchange not far from Neve Sha’anan, having been implemented as part of a government long-term concession scheme agreement.
An Unusual Traffic Venture
The Carmel Tunnels project connects the western to the eastern approaches to Haifa, significantly shortening the journey time between them. Use of the Carmel Tunnels reduces air pollution, lightens traffic in the area and improves the quality of life of the city’s and surrounding areas’ residents.
The Haifa tunnels, stretching about 6 km with two traffic lanes in each direction, opened to traffic in late 2010. Construction began in 2007 with detailed planning, followed by rock cutting and controlled blasting, and concluded with roadway excavation and paving. A primary challenge was to complete the project with minimal impact on Haifa residents’ daily lives while protecting local biodiversity and the environment.
Construction involved 5,000 controlled blasts and the removal of approximately 2,500 tonnes of soil, which were transported by 300 trucks along a specially designated route. The Central Carmel interchange features a network of eight overpasses, built using advanced engineering solutions. Prefabricated bridge components, manufactured at the Ashcrete factory (a subsidiary of Ashtrom Construction), were transported to the site for on-site assembly.
