Government Approves 'Crossroad Highway' to Enhance Access to Ashdod Port

The government has approved the execution of a strategic transportation project in Ashdod - the 'Crossroad Highway' that will connect the Ashdod port area to the city's Lighthouse Street. The project will be carried out by the Israel Ports Company with full funding from the Ministry of Transportation.

The new 'Crossroad Highway' is designed to significantly improve accessibility to the Ashdod ports - Israel's main trade gateway, and streamline the movement of trucks, cargo, and passengers between the ports, the city of Ashdod, and the urban and intercity road network. The new road complements the 'Herzl' project carried out in recent years in collaboration with the Ashdod Municipality and the Israel Roads Company.

The project's cost is estimated at 100 million shekels, which will be budgeted by the Ministry of Transportation in 2025-2026. The Israel Ports Company will serve as the project's executing arm.

The 'Crossroad Highway' project joins a series of government decisions (4662 and 1081) that approved the Israel Ports Company to carry out transportation infrastructures outside the port area, from a comprehensive strategic vision of connecting the ports to the national transportation network, while maintaining the ports' regular activity and supporting their future development.

The feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of Transportation pointed to a very high benefit to the economy - with a cost-benefit ratio of 4.6, and a saving of more than 8,000 vehicle hours per workday. The road is expected to open at the beginning of 2026, and will improve traffic flow in the port area and the northern part of the city of Ashdod.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev said: 'The new 'Crossroad Highway' is a critical strategic link in the national plan to upgrade the access roads to the ports and connect them to the national road system. Ashdod, as a leading port city, will receive advanced transportation infrastructure that will streamline the movement of goods, reduce congestion in the city, and improve the quality of life of its residents. The Ministry of Transportation continues to lead national projects for the benefit of the Israeli economy and international trade, in the periphery and the center alike.'