ABSTRACT
The Road 60 Tunnels Project involves the construction of two new road tunnels and the refurbishment of existing tunnels on Highway 60 near Jerusalem. The new tunnels run almost parallel to the existing ones and are connected by cross passages. The geology of the area is characterized by sedimentary rocks (Kefahr Sha’ul, Amminadav, and Moza Formations) and a highly weathered zone between the Amminadav and Moza Formations (Transition Zone). Construction began in 2019 and was completed in 2024. The new tunnels were constructed first while maintaining traffic flow in the existing tunnels. Refurbishment of the existing tunnels, which included lowering and replacing the road pavement, installing waterproofing, casting the inner lining, and excavating new emergency bays, commenced after the new tunnels opened to traffic. The technical complexity of the project was heightened by the proximity of the new and existing tunnels, poor local ground conditions, and highly variable geology at the tunnel face. This paper presents the design solutions developed to address these challenges and ensure the successful completion of the project.
