Haifa–Nazareth railway
The Haifa–Nazareth railway refers to a planned tram-train system in northern Israel, going from Lev HaMifratz Railway Station in Haifa to Nazareth. The system is slated to open in 2025.
History
The initial proposal and planning for the line was made as early as 2007. Plans were submitted by Haifa's development company Yefe Nof and approved by the National Planning Committee in February 2017.[1][2] Further planning and construction will be managed by the Cross–Israel Highway company.[2]
Route
The inter-city route will start at the Lev HaMifratz Railway Station in Haifa, continue through northern Kiryat Ata and go along Highway 79 from Somekh Interchange to the end of the highway in Reineh. It will end no Ma'aleh Yitzhak Street in Nazareth Illit, where the urban section will start. The urban section will continue through Nazareth Illit by way of Ma'aleh Yitzhak, and terminate in central Nazareth.[1]
Development along the route
Up to nine park and ride facilities will be built along the route.[1]
Possible expansions
An expansion to the Krayot has been proposed, going along Highway 22, to serve the neighborhoods constructed in the 2010s in Kiryat Bialik.[1]
Specifications
The train will travel at up to 100 km/h (62 mph) on the inter-city section, and up to 50 km/h (31 mph) on the urban section. There will be 17 stations, nine inter-city and eight urban. The line is expected to server 12,000 daily passengers when it opens. The cost of construction is expected to be ILS 6.4 billion.[1]