Jerusalem bridge to be inaugurated Wednesday

By ETGAR LEFKOVITS
A grandiose new bridge at the entrance to Jerusalem which has generated months of controversy but is expected to become a city landmark will be inaugurated on Wednesday. The main entrance to Jerusalem will be closed off to motorists from mid-day due ahead of the gala evening event, with major traffic congestion expected in the area throughout the day. Motorists entering the capital starting at lunchtime will need to bypass the area via the Begin Road, or come to Jerusalem from Road 443, the city said. The bridge's lavish NIS 2 million inauguration bash - which is open to the public - will include an "unprecedented" pyrotechnics show that will double as the grand finale of the events commemorating the city's reunification 40 years ago, the city said. The festive inauguration of the bridge, which will include performances by some of Israel's top singers including Dudu Fischer and David D'or, is being paid for primarily out of the budget earmarked for the 40th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, city officials said.