Haifa begins work on new leg of light rail project

By MIRIAM BULWAR DAVID-HAY (TRANSLATED)
The city of Haifa and the Transport Ministry began work on the Shenkar-Tzrif leg of the Metronit light rail project last week, reports www.local.co.il. The work, which involves the construction of new infrastructure and the extension of the Motta Gur bridge, is expected to take about two years and to cost some NIS 100 million. Some roads will be closed and diverted during the work. According to the report, Mayor Yona Yahav told residents of Kiryat Haim and Kiryat Shmuel that the builders had been instructed to carry out the work with consideration for traffic movements and for the environment, and to complete it as quickly as possible. He said the work would ultimately improve the appearance of the area, with new roads and sidewalks and a light rail line, and would improve the quality of life of residents in the area. The report said the Metronit is expected to begin operating in 2011.