Israel to invest NIS 19 billion in five-year plan for roads

The Israeli cabinet approved last week a five years, NIS 19 billion plan for investment in Israel's roads.
 
The plan, which comes into force at the start of 2006, would promote key infrastructure projects, including Highway 431 connecting the city of Modi'in to the Ayalon Highway west of Rishon Le-zion.
 
The investment plan was described by Transport Minister Meir Sheetrit as "revolutionary". According to Sheetrit, the road program will not only upgrade Israel's intercity road network to modern standards, but also meet the growing motorists demand.
 
Sheetrit also explained that investment in transport infrastructure bolsters economic growth. A spokesman for the transport ministry said thatNIS 13 billion will be invested, over next five years, in building new roads and NIS 4 billion in maintaining existing roads.
 
In addition, the plan proposes NIS 1.5 billion investment in the Trans Israel Highway . The investment, according to the Ministry, will also be directed to the building of segments 18 to 20 of the Trans Israel Highway ( road # 6 ), which upon completion will extend from Aliakim in the north of the country to Beit Kama intersection in the south.