The Ministry of Transportation is pleased with the results of the pilot program, removing trucks and heavy vehicles from the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway in the direction of the capital from Shar HaGuy and Shoresh Interchange during the morning rush hour. The program shows that doing so saves an average of 27% travel time to the capital.

The pilot program began on December 1st, operating between 6:30am – 9:30am. The program is continuing until May 1st.

While the program is encouraging for commuters, the court-ordered opening of Highway 443, the Jerusalem – Modi’in Highway to PA (Palestinian Authority) motorists is expected to add a significant load to Highway 1. Most experts predict the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Hwy will not be capable of addressing the sharp increase in rush hour motorists and the road will come to a standstill.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)