(haipo) – The state is taking another significant step forward in strengthening transportation infrastructure in the north: The inter-ministerial tender committee announced Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering as the winner of the tender for the construction of the extension of Highway 6 northward, a huge project worth approximately NIS 2 billion, which includes the paving of approximately 22 km of new road and the construction of three central interchanges. Work is expected to begin in 2027, and the new road will open to the public in 2030.
The project: New road, new interchanges and improved connectivity
The extension of Highway 6 northward will be carried out from the Somekh Interchange to Beit HaEmek, and will include:
- Construction of a two-lane, three-lane highway approximately 22 km long
- Construction of the Abelayim, Makar and Beit HaEmek interchanges
- 40% discount on the toll rate for frequent users, in accordance with the government's policy to strengthen the North
The project is designed to address the lack of longitudinal axes between the cities and Nahariya, reduce congestion on Highways 4, 70, and 22, shorten travel times, and improve accessibility between the northern settlements and the center.
Government decision and long-term planning
The extension of Highway 6 is being promoted by virtue of Government Resolution 654 (June 2023), and is part of the Negev and Galilee Development Plan (Resolution 1421, 2010). The goal of the plan: to create advanced transportation infrastructure that will enable economic growth, expand employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life of residents of the north.
PPP model: cooperation between the state and the private sector
The tender was managed using the PPP method – a public-private partnership, by the inter-ministerial tender committee led by the Accountant General, and with the participation of the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Finance, the Cross-Israel Company and the Inbal Company. The model allows for efficiency, innovation and optimal risk management, while ensuring high value for public money.
Statements by ministers and senior officials
Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich: "The extension of Highway 6 northward is great news for residents of the north. Connecting the periphery to the center opens doors to employment, growth and development. This is a significant step in realizing our commitment to strengthening the north."
Minister of Transportation, Brigadier General (res.) Miri Regev: "This is a strategic move to connect Israel from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat. The new road will shorten travel times, reduce congestion and create a significant economic growth engine for the north."
Accountant General, CPA Michal Abadi-Boyanjo: "The PPP model guarantees efficiency and innovation. This is an investment that will contribute to economic growth and strengthening the North."
Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, Moshe Ben Zaken: "Choosing the winner allows for the transition to the implementation phase of one of the country's most important infrastructure projects. The road will significantly improve connectivity between the north and the center."
Acting CEO of Cross Israel, Guy Levin: "This is a significant milestone in advancing a national infrastructure project that will strengthen the Galilee and contribute to its development."
Summary
The northward extension of Highway 6 is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Israel in the coming decade, with a direct impact on the quality of life, accessibility and economic development of the north. With the selection of the winner, the country is closer to realizing a wide-ranging transportation vision, an efficient, fast and safe connection between all parts of the country.
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Small money compared to the billions invested in the metro of our neighbor, the state of Tel Aviv.
It's amazing that in the south the road is free and in the north every section costs us money. Why can we travel for free from Beersheba to Rehovot but not for free in the north?
It's interesting that the advertising of the "influencers" right before the elections was where it was until now.
This is a long-term project.
The photographers will come to the "ribbon cutting" in the era of the second Abbas-Bennett-Lapid government.
Where will the money come from to implement the plan, after they created a huge budget hole to finance their survival?
Much more water will pass through the Kishon until it covers the deficit.
If you could add a map, that would be helpful.
The problem with Highway 6 is that due to most franchisees, people no longer know whether they are in a section with a subscription or not.
We must unify the collection, and have the franchisees consider each other. This should be simple because the collection is done based on photographs of the vehicles anyway.
I hope that after the elections there will be a Minister of Transportation who will promote this.
I have no expectations from the Diamond Servant.
Is this the problem with Highway 6 or the fact that the speed of travel on it is equivalent to riding a bicycle at a leisurely pace?
Well done, finally, but, but, but,
But why don't we continue the road a few more kilometers north to the central Kabri intersection? I don't understand what the logic is? I'll ask the system to check and respond. Thank you.
Its problem is the lack of RPG-blocking roofing in all sections adjacent to the PA.
The second Abbas-Bennett-Lapid government will turn its passengers into "ducks in a shooting range."