CARMEL TUNNEL BRIDGES

Originally conceived over 100 years ago by the Turks during the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the Carmel Tunnel project is the second largest BOT project ever undertaken in the Middle East.
The project will serve as an important transportation link in and around Haifa, Israel. The Haifa area is one of Israel’s fastest growing regions and home to a significant portion of Israel’s high technology industries. Current travel time through Haifa is 30 to 60 minutes. Anticipated travel time after completion of the Carmel Tunnel project is 7 to 10 minutes.

The overall project includes two tunnels, 5 conventional bridges, 6 segmental bridges and 11 kilometers of roads with corresponding civil improvements.

This project was first conceptualized in 1995 and the official tender request was made in 1997. The ASHTROM-Dragados Joint Venture comprised of Israel’s Ashtrom Corporation and Spain’s Dragados was awarded the project in early 2000, based on a bid of $200M. The project was terminated.