A large section of the polluted highway running through Tel Aviv is to be buried under trees, grass and sports facilities.
The Tel Aviv municipality has approved a plan to enclose much of the Ayalon highway in green space, linking two of Tel Aviv's existing green spaces, Yarkon Park and Begin Park. The new park would add some 59 acres of open space to the city. "Our plan is very ambitious, especially because, as well as having to undertake the work, the project will need completing while everything is in full swing and cars are flowing through the city," said Etai Pinkas, the Tel Aviv council member driving the plan.
Many Tel Aviv residents think of the Ayalon, which cuts through the east of the city, as a blight, and are enthusiastic about the plan.
Leading Israeli environmentalist Alon Tal said: "I think it's a terrific idea. In the world, and especially in Israel, there's simply not enough space, so we must start integrating cities into wider plans to protect biodiversity."
