Tens of thousands of drivers in Judea and Samaria are getting good news: work to expand Route 437, which connects Jerusalem to the Binyamin communities, has been accelerated, and the widened highway is now expected to open in early 2028—a year ahead of the original schedule. The timeline was moved up following a request from Binyamin Governor and Yesha Council chairman Israel Gantz.
The project, estimated to cost around 400 million shekels (~$130 million), will widen the highway from Pisgat Ze’ev in Jerusalem through the Adam area to the Binyamin Gate to three lanes in each direction. The work is designed to ease heavy traffic congestion in the area, improve safety, and cut travel times for the tens of thousands of drivers who use the route daily.
The Route 437 expansion is part of a series of transportation projects being advanced in the Benjamin region, including the doubling of Route 60 up to the British Police Junction. The projects aim to improve accessibility between Jerusalem and the Binyamin and Samaria settlements, while developing infrastructure to support population growth in the area.
Binyamin Governor and Yesha Council chairman Israel Gantz welcomed the accelerated opening: “Cutting a year off the work is tremendous news for thousands of families who sit in traffic jams every day. We’re working so that Binyamin residents can get to Jerusalem quickly and safely, and to prepare the infrastructure for continued growth.”
Gantz thanked Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, and the Moriah company for advancing the project and accelerating the work. According to him, “The transportation revolution is advancing on the ground and laying the foundation for continued settlement growth. The challenge is temporary, the change is permanent.”
Transportation Minister Miri Regev also addressed the accelerated timeline, saying: “We’re delivering results on the ground. Accelerating the work on Route 437 and moving up its opening by a year is significant news for Benjamin residents and the thousands of drivers who travel to and from Jerusalem every day.”
Regev added that the highway expansion is part of the Transportation Ministry’s policy to reduce infrastructure gaps and improve transportation accessibility: “With an investment of around 400 million shekels, we’re widening the road to three lanes in each direction, reducing traffic congestion, and improving the safety and quality of life for residents.”
Finance Minister and Defense Ministry Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure in Judea and Samaria: “Infrastructure development in Judea and Samaria is a strategic growth engine and a clear Zionist statement. The investment of billions in infrastructure and roads, such as the Route 437 expansion and the acceleration of its opening, are part of a broad revolution we’re leading to ensure quality of life, security, and continuous, fast connection between Jerusalem and all the Binyamin communities.”
According to Smotrich, the government will continue investing in developing transportation infrastructure in the area as part of efforts to improve residents’ quality of life and strengthen Jewish community in the area.