Israel to Build $1.6B Light Rail from Haifa to Nazareth

Israel has provisionally approved construction of a 43-kilometer, Haifa-to-Nazareth light-rail line, an estimated $2.6-billion project set for completion in 2023. Still subject to a government final OK and detailed design, the line will include 17 stations and several tunnels and bridges. Unlike traditional light rail, trains will travel at up to 100 km/h on interurban segments, says the Haifa municipal firm in charge of the project. Going forward, Israel’s Cross-Israel Highway Co. Ltd. will manage construction and operation.