The Carmel Tunnels’ total route length is about 6 km, comprising two one-way lanes with a separate tunnel system in each direction. The project connects Haifa’s western passageways to its eastern ones, and allows easy and convenient access to the city. In addition, the Carmel Tunnels connect to the Krayot bypass road (Road 22), to facilitate the shortest, easiest and safest drive.

Using the Carmel Tunnels decreases pollution, reduces traffic congestion in Haifa, and improves everyday life for residents of Haifa and its environs in every drive.

The tunnels were a complex and challenging endeavor, requiring meticulous planning by mining and excavation experts. The main challenge was completing the work efficiently, with minimum disturbance to Haifa residents’ everyday life, while protecting the environment and local nature, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Tunnel construction – a comprehensive guide

Some 1,000 workers from Israel and China had worked for 3 years to complete the project. They conducted about 5,000 controlled explosions, removed 2,500 metric tonne of dirt using 300 trucks, and built 8 new bridges.

The tunnels were excavated by drilling in stone and placing dynamite in the drilled holes. Drilling locations and dynamite quantities were calculated by engineers to achieve the desired tunnel circumference and depth. All explosions were calculated and controlled so as not to affect the houses located above the tunnels.