The extension of Highway 6 to the north is advancing another significant step towards implementation, with the submission of bids in the tender for the construction, operation and maintenance of the new road section from the Somekh Interchange to Beit HaEmek.
Six groups, consisting of leading Israeli and international companies, submitted bids for one of the largest and most important national infrastructure projects currently being promoted in Israel.
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The extension of the road will strengthen the connection between the north and the center of the country and will be a transportation, economic, and social growth engine for the entire region. The road is scheduled to open in 2030.
The huge project, led by the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, the Accountant General's Department at the Ministry of Finance, and the Cross-Israel Company, is being promoted through a public-private partnership (PPP) method. The project is designed to significantly shorten travel times, reduce heavy traffic on Highways 4, 70, and 22, and enable a quick and convenient connection to the cities of Nahariya, Shefaram, Acre, Julis, Tamra, Karmiel, and the Krayot area.
The inter-ministerial tender committee for financing the construction, operation and maintenance of the Highway 6 extension project to the north, headed by Senior Deputy Accountant General Oshrat David Decker, and with the participation of representatives of the Ministries of Transportation and Finance, the Cross-Israel Company and the Inbal Company, announced that groups consisting of leading Israeli and international companies submitted their bids for the tender, after successfully passing the preliminary selection stage.
The groups that submitted proposals are: Danya Cebus in collaboration with Dan Public Transportation Company; Shikun and Binui in collaboration with Egged Transportation Company; Minrav Group together with Milgam Group and Egis Projects SAS; Oron Group in collaboration with Olitsky Infrastructures; Electra; and Shafir Civil and Marine Engineering.
As part of the project, approximately 22 kilometers of two-lane, three-lane highway will be paved, and three new interchanges will be built - Abelim, Makar, and Beit HaEmek.
As part of the policy of assisting residents of the north following the war, and according to a government decision approved at the initiative of Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, a significant benefit will be provided to regular passengers on the new road.
Private vehicle owners who frequently use the new sections will benefit from a 40% discount on the toll. The discount is intended to benefit those living and working in the area, as part of an overall effort to make things easier for residents of the north and encourage use of the new route.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: "The extension of Highway 6 to the north is another step in realizing the vision of 'Connecting Israel' and in our commitment to strengthening the periphery and reducing gaps between the center and the north. This is a national project that will bring real relief to the residents of the north, shorten travel times, reduce congestion and create economic and regional momentum. Even in complex times, we continue to invest in long-term infrastructure and take care of the north - not in words but in deeds.""
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: "Extending Highway 6 to the north is a strategic move that connects the State of Israel physically, economically and socially. This is a significant step in strengthening the north, reducing gaps and creating new growth engines for the entire economy. We are investing in infrastructure that creates a future: advanced transportation, high accessibility and a real connection between the center and the periphery. This is an expression of our government's clear policy - strengthening the north, connecting Israel and moving the economy forward."”
