The National Infrastructure Committee last night approved plans to upgrade Road 1 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which will transform it into a three-lane highway at a cost of NIS 2.5 billion.

The statutory processes should be completed by the end of the year, and 2008 will be dedicated to detailed planning. If the necessary funding is found, work can begin in 2009 and will continue over three years.

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The project's main purpose is to improve and pave the road according to safety standards that will enable a steady flow of traffic along its entire route. The project will include the drilling of a 600-meter tunnel beneath the Harel interchange and Mevasseret Zion, connecting the road to new entrances into Jerusalem, and upgrading the Shoresh, Neve Ilan, Hemed and Harel interchanges.

Special attention is being given to upgrading without interfering with traffic flow or closing lanes. Efforts to cooperate with environmental groups have helped its plans obtain unanimous approval.

The Israel National Road Company noted that the road's main problems include the lack of an additional lane and proper shoulders on both sides of the road. In addition, geometric improvements at certain relatively unsafe sections are required.

There are two routes leading into to Jerusalem from the west - Road 1 and Road 443 from Modi'in.

According to forecasts, there will be a need to substantially upgrade the current network, which is on the brink of collapse, while conditions during heavy traffic hours are an intolerable nuisance for drivers. The final road system leading to the capital will include a complete upgrade of Road 1, construction of missing intersections on Road 443, completion of a train line, and new road from Road 6 near Kiryat Malachi to the Begin Highway near Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium via Tsur Hadassa.