Highway 20, intracity freeway in Israel
Highway 20, also known as the Ayalon Highway, is a multi-lane controlled-access road running through Tel Aviv for about 18 miles (29 km). It connects the north and south of the city and runs alongside the Ayalon River in some sections, with railway tracks integrated between the lanes.
The concept for the highway emerged in the 1950s, with the first section opening in 1982 and the complete route finished in 1991. It solved a problem created by two separate train stations and enabled the first continuous rail connection from north to south through Tel Aviv.
The road carries about 600,000 vehicles daily and is heavily congested during rush hours, so avoiding peak times is advisable. With multiple exits to different neighborhoods and integrated rail options, it offers flexible transportation choices for travelers heading to various parts of the city or other destinations.
A distinctive feature is the integration of railway tracks between the vehicle lanes, designed to reduce public transport needs. Additionally, the project included a concrete channel for flood control of the Ayalon River, addressing two infrastructure challenges in one solution.
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