Allenby Street in Tel Aviv Closed for 4.5 Years: Concerns Rise Among Residents and Businesses

Allenby Street, one of the bustling thoroughfares in Tel Aviv, has been shut down to vehicular traffic for an anticipated four and a half years, commencing this Friday morning. The closure is a pivotal step in the ongoing development of the purple line of the city's light rail system, with the long-term vision of transforming this segment into a pedestrian-friendly zone. However, the move has sparked frustration and apprehension among local residents and business owners who are apprehensive about the potential impact on their livelihoods.

The affected stretch spans between King George and Montefiore streets, encompassing the area from the Carmel Market to the Great Synagogue. During this extensive duration, this section of Allenby Street will undergo significant modifications, including the construction of a train station and essential infrastructure enhancements for sewage and water systems. The endeavor will also involve the burial of power lines beneath ground level.

The ramifications of this closure are far-reaching. Approximately 30 public transportation lines that currently traverse Allenby Street, accommodating a frequency of one hundred buses per hour, are being rerouted to neighboring streets. To mitigate the effects of this redirection, new stations are being incorporated into these modified routes. Upon project completion, the transformed street will exclusively cater to the light rail, designated bicycle lanes, and pedestrian traffic. Private vehicles will be excluded.

For many local businesses, the situation presents a formidable challenge. Oshri Zaraf, a proprietor of a clothing store with half a century of family ownership on Allenby Street, expressed grave concerns: "This is a death sentence for businesses. Without convenient access to public transportation, foot traffic will decline sharply. I fear that up to 90% of businesses here might be forced to shutter."

The impacted section, ranging from the Carmel Market to Montefiore Street, will undergo a comprehensive overhaul. In addition to facilitating the new rail line, anticipated to serve around 250,000 daily commuters, the project encompasses the renewal of sewer infrastructure, subterranean electrical line installation, water system upgrades, and a general street revitalization.

Zaraf further voiced his dismay, questioning the timeline and rationale: "This is an extensive and ambitious project. Forcing such a crucial central artery into a four-and-a-half-year closure spells disaster for businesses. If the aim is truly to alleviate the concerns of residents and business owners, why not expedite the process to minimize disruption?"

To mitigate the anticipated challenges, the Urban Transportation Routes Company (NTA) has been proactive in recent months. They have undertaken an initiative to renew and enhance nearby streets that will function as alternative traffic routes. Notable thoroughfares like Rothschild Boulevard, King George Street, Ben Zion Boulevard, and Bezalel Yaffe Street have been upgraded, with road grading, new traffic signals, revised public transportation routes, and alterations in travel directions for private vehicles.

Allenby Street, renowned for its bustling convergence of public transport, vehicular flow, and pedestrian activity, has been subjected to a delayed closure by the Tel Aviv municipality. Concerns over potential congestion, particularly in the realm of public transportation, were pivotal in this postponement. The ongoing development of the purple line aligns with the imminent inauguration of the red line of the light rail, slated for next Friday, which could potentially alleviate traffic congestion in certain central areas of Tel Aviv.