Expansion of Major Israeli Highway Approved

Jerusalem, 11 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Transportation greenlit the plan to upgrade Highway 443 between the Maccabim-Reut junction and the Ben Shemen interchange. The 443 runs west from Jerusalem past local towns such as Modiin and ends near the airport. The Maccabim-Reut junction is located by Modiin.

As part of the plan, which is being implemented through the Netivei Israel Company, the road will be upgraded, six existing intersections will be replaced (Mitzpe Modi’im, Machane Adam, Neot Kedumim, Modi’in Industrial Zone, Shilat Intersection and Maccabim-Reut Intersection), travel lanes will be added and two ecological crossings will be built to maintain environmental continuity.

According to the Macro Alternatives Report by Netivei Israel, in the western section, which passes through the Jerusalem Forest, an upgrade will be carried out that includes two lanes for private vehicles and a designated lane for public transportation, in accordance with the Ministry of Transportation’s policy to encourage the use of public transportation and protect the environment.

In the eastern section, which includes several interchanges, a lane for private vehicles and an additional lane for public transportation will be added, so that a road section of three lanes for private vehicles and one lane for public transportation will be obtained.