Connecting the North to the Heart of the Country: The Ministry of transport and Cross Israel Company Published a Tender for the Upgrade and Expansion of the Somech Interchange on Highway 6
Minister Regev: “The upgrade of the Somech Interchange is part of a clear policy I am leading – connecting the periphery to the center, reducing gaps, and accelerating infrastructure projects that connect Israel.”
The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, through the Cross Israel Company, has published a tender for the upgrade and expansion of the Somech Interchange (Roads 70 and 79), which will become a full system interchange, enabling continuous travel without traffic lights.
The project, with a budget of approximately NIS 250 million, is another step in implementing the vision of Transport Minister Miri Regev, “Connecting Israel,” to strengthen transportation connectivity in the north of the country and significantly improve traffic flow and safety in the area.
The upgraded interchange will enable continuous, safe, and fast passage of the “Nofit” light rail in the future, alongside free travel for private vehicles without stopping at traffic lights. The opening of the interchange to traffic is expected in 2029.
The project includes the construction of new ramps, widening of Highway 6, the construction of an underground passage on Road 79 as part of a future ramp for those coming from Kiryat Ata (West) towards Highway 6 North, landscape development according to the character of the area, and renewal of communication and drainage infrastructure.
The works are expected to begin soon, after the selection of the executing contractor. Upon their completion, continuous travel without traffic lights in all directions of travel will be possible, full priority will be given to the light rail by eliminating signalized intersections, and the level of congestion in the area will be significantly reduced.
The project is integrated into a broad plan led by the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety to upgrade transportation infrastructure in the north, strengthen accessibility, encourage economic development, connect communities to employment centers, and improve the quality of life for the residents of the region.
minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: “The Somech Interchange is a strategic junction in the heart of the North, and its upgrade is part of a clear policy I am leading – connecting the periphery to the center, reducing gaps, and accelerating infrastructure projects that connect Israel. This is a move that strengthens the North, improves safety, and promotes advanced and integrated transportation, for the benefit of all citizens of the country.”
Director-General of the Ministry of Transport, Moshe Ben Zaken: “Transforming the Somech Interchange into a system interchange without traffic lights is a significant planning and execution step, enabling continuous traffic, priority for the light rail, and reduction of congestion. This is a complex and important project that reflects the Ministry’s commitment to promoting an efficient, smart, and safe transportation system in the north of the country.”
Director-General of Cross Israel Company, Dan Shenbach: “The Somech Interchange upgrade and expansion project is a central pillar in the development of an advanced, safe, and efficient transportation system in the north of the country. The upgraded interchange will enable continuous traffic, shorten travel times, and give full priority to the Nofit light rail, as part of strengthening the transportation connection between the region’s communities and employment, education, and commerce centers. Cross Israel will continue to lead complex and advanced infrastructure projects for the benefit of the residents of the State of Israel.”
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