Following the visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Israel, from tonight until Monday morning, there will be traffic disruptions and roadblocks on the roads leading to Jerusalem and roads within the capital.
Dozens of police officers will work to secure and direct traffic on Road 1 and within the city of Jerusalem.
The following are expected changes in the traffic arrangements expected during the visit:
Tonight, with the landing of the German Chancellor in Israel around 22:00, Road No. 1 is expected to be closed gradually and intermittently to the east, from the Ganot Interchange to the Sakharov Interchange.
Earlier, from 8:30 PM, heavy vehicle traffic will not be allowed on Road 1. In addition, access to Road 1 from Road 6 at the Ben Shemen Interchange will be blocked, and traffic will be diverted to Road 444 and Road 443. In addition, access to Road 1 from Road 431 at the Anaba Interchange will be blocked. .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel at an election conference in the city of Aachen, Photo: AFP
Within the city of Jerusalem, there may be spotty and short-term traffic disruptions in several axes within the city in the following times: on Saturday nights, on Sunday afternoons and on Monday mornings, all depending on the course of the visit.
King David Street in Jerusalem will be blocked for significant periods of time during the visit from the Plummer-Emil Bota junction.
On Monday morning, towards the end of the visit and the departure of the German Chancellor, Road No. 1 is expected to be closed to traffic gradually and intermittently to the west, from the Sakharov Interchange to the Ganot Interchange.
In addition, access to vehicles from Road No. 6 to Road No. 1 at the Nesherim Interchange will be blocked and traffic will be diverted to Road 431 and Road 44.
Traffic congestion at Sha'ar HaGai, Photo: Archive, Oren Ben Hakon
Due to the expected traffic congestion on the arteries leading to Highway 1, it is advisable for the public to avoid reaching these areas during this time frame and to use alternate arteries.
Traffic will be fully accessible to road users on Route 443.
Police recommend that drivers keep up to date with navigation apps on disruptions and traffic congestion.