New lane on Begin Road: solution to traffic jams or more congestion?

In depth

The Ministry of Transport and the Jerusalem Municipality opened a new public transport lane on Begin Road, from the Liftah Tunnels toward Har Hotzvim, this morning (Sunday). As part of the project, the road was expanded from three to four lanes, and the new right-hand lane is designated for buses. According to Arutz Sheva, the lane is expected to shorten bus travel times. According to Kikar HaShabbat, the lane opened after months of works that caused heavy traffic congestion.

According to Arutz Sheva, during January the lane in the opposite direction is also expected to open. According to Israel Hayom, criticism of similar projects in the city and disruptions to the operation of the light rail raise doubts about the measure's ability to ease traffic congestion.