The Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, arrived last night (Tuesday) for a tour in the Western Binyamin region in order to examine temporary solutions that will ease traffic until the completion of the expansion of the main road.
As part of the visit, the issue of traffic congestion in the Western Binyamin region on Route 446 was discussed. It should be noted that road expansion works are currently ongoing, but there is a heavy daily congestion that hampers the daily routine of residents in Binyamin and Modi'in Illit. In addition, the difficulties and hardships faced by the residents were presented to Gallant. Yisrael Gantz, the council leader, presented him with several security system-related solutions required by the council, related to the opening of alternative routes through the security fence during morning hours only and temporarily until the completion of the main road expansion project.
Ministry of Defense: The opening of the expanded parking lot will begin gradually in about a month
The council leader expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defense for the completion process of organizing the expansion of the parking lot for workers at the Hasmonean Passover. This process aims to prevent traffic disruptions on the road and facilitate morning commuters from the direction of Na'aleh and Nili towards the Shilat Junction. The expanded parking lot accommodates the traffic volume of the workers' shuttles. During the tour, officials from the Ministry of Defense assured the minister that the opening of the expanded parking lot will begin gradually in about a month.
In addition, the chairman of the Binyamin Council pointed out to the minister and Major General Yehuda Fox, who was also present at the meeting, that beyond the traffic congestion, there are also security sensitivities, and improvements in the area are essential to preserve human lives. In the Ministry of Defense, it was emphasized that they continue to work on improving the traffic law enforcement for trucks in the Route 446 area, understanding that this indeed has a positive impact and alleviates the congestion to a considerable extent.
In conclusion, Minister Gallant was updated on a future road that is currently in the planning stages, which will connect between the settlements of Gush Dolev-Talmonim and Route 443. He mentioned that assistance from the security system will be required to accompany the planning and execution processes, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Israel's Roads Company.
Gallant: "We are committed to solving the issue"
Minister Gallant said, "Today, I toured the Hasmonean/Maccabim crossing together with the head of the council, Yisrael Gantz, in order to see how we can solve the issues that we are committed to addressing, which relate to the traffic and exit of Israeli citizens from the territories of Judea and Samaria to the heartland of the State of Israel. I believe these issues can be resolved; we have infrastructure work underway in many places, including at the Hasmonean crossing. Within a few months, you will see the difference and the improvement. We will assist and solve the problem."