Israel Approves First Underground Metro Station Permit for M3 Line
Israel issues its first underground metro station construction permit for the Ariel Sharon Park station, marking a transition to execution for the 65 billion NIS M3 line.
The planning administration has issued the first construction permit for an underground metro station in Israel, marking a major milestone for the country's largest infrastructure project. The National Licensing Authority approved the permit for the Ariel Sharon Park station (M3017), part of the M3 metro line's A.1 section under National Infrastructure Plan 103.
Scope of Engineering Works and Timeline
The approved works encompass extensive engineering and infrastructure development, including the excavation and removal of approximately 300,000 cubic meters of earth. The project requires the construction of underground retaining walls reaching a depth of about 38 meters, supported by nine rows of ground anchors, alongside preparation for the metro tracks. The scheduled duration for these works is approximately 25 months.
"The first permit for building a metro station marks a significant transition from blueprints on paper to major engineering works in the field," said Ron Rekach, director of the National Licensing Authority.
The site will feature a dedicated logistics area, soil drying zones, a bentonite filtration plant, a water purification facility, a temporary electrical switching room, and lighting systems. Strict environmental monitoring protocols have been established in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection to control dust, air quality, and noise levels near the Shapirim Stream.
The M3 Line and Massive Investments
As part of the massive 65 billion NIS infrastructure endeavor, 19 groups comprising 31 domestic and international companies recently qualified for the pre-qualification phase of the Metro Infrastructure 1 tenders. The M3 line is designed as a circumferential route connecting residential, employment, and medical hubs across the Tel Aviv metropolis, passing through Bat Yam, Holon, Petah Tikva, Herzliya, and a dedicated branch to Ben Gurion Airport.
"This is a significant moment in advancing the most important infrastructure project for Israel's transportation future," noted Shira Brand, acting chairwoman of the National Infrastructure Committee. "After years of complex planning, we are moving into the execution phases of a transportation network that will transform the metropolis."
