Purim Parody: Jerusalem entrance to be modeled on France’s Champs-Elysees

"We’re also looking at plans to replicate the Eiffel Tower – but a bigger and better version."

By LANINA TRULICK

MARCH 1, 2018 11:32

AN ILLUSTRATION of the entrance to the capital after it’s remodeled on France’s Champs-Elysees - Purim parody (photo credit: SUPPLIED/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS) — AN ILLUSTRATION of the entrance to the capital after it’s remodeled on France’s Champs-Elysees - Purim parody

(photo credit: SUPPLIED/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)

The Jerusalem Municipality has announced a plan to model the entrance to the city and the area surrounding Bridge of Strings on the Champs-Elysees.

Renovations are expected to begin just after Purim, the municipality said on Thursday.

“We’re advancing in ways that will make Jerusalem the number one city in the world – not just in start-ups and technological advancement but in architecture, aesthetics and infrastructure. Jerusalem will be the most beautiful city in the world,” said Jerusalem Affairs Minister Wolf Malkin.

“Our city entrance will be even bigger and better than that of Paris or Rome or any city you can think of. We’re also looking at plans to replicate the Eiffel Tower – but a bigger and better version,” Malkin told The Jerusalem Roast.

However, the renovations are expected to take about three years, which will cause congestion on the roads. Motorists have been warned that Begin Boulevard, Ben Gurion Boulevard and the Givat Shaul Interchange – among other routes into the city – will be closed for at least two years.

Route 60 (Hebron Road) and Route 50 will be the only way to enter the city.

“Due to the large amount of motorists filling up these main, a toll road fee is being introduced so that we can maintain these roads,” said Jerusalem Mayor Drir Lakat.

“If you’re coming into the city from other areas of Israel on a daily basis, especially for work purposes, you may want to think about relocating into Jerusalem for the duration of the renovations. Buses may also be the better mode of transport and if you are coming in from outside the city, leave home earlier as there will be congestion,” the mayor advised.

Asked about the toll fee that motorists will be expected to pay, Lakat and Malkin said it would cost between NIS 6 and NIS 12, depending on the size of the vehicle entering the city.

Lakat added there will be booths, similar to those of checkpoints, at certain points on Route 50 and 60 where motorists will have to stop and pay the fee.

Despite the impending disruptions, Malkin encouraged the city’s citizens to “look at the bigger picture and appreciate it.”

The estimated cost of the renovation will be about NIS 700 million.