Photo: Ministry of Transportation Spokesperson Highway 334, bypassing the city of Sderot to the east, was opened this week with the inauguration of the central section between Ibim Junction and the entrance to the Ben Gurion neighborhood.
This is a significant transportation development for Sderot residents and the surrounding area, expected to reduce traffic congestion and provide direct links to Highways 232 and 34.
The new road, with a total investment of approximately 263 million ILS (approximately $67 million), includes two lanes in each direction, full night lighting, safety barriers, and traffic lights at major intersections. Upon project completion, two new city entrances will be added - to the Ben Gurion neighborhood and Kibbutz Or HaNer.
The project, executed by the Ministry of Transportation and Israel Roads Company, is part of a broader plan to strengthen transportation infrastructure in the south. This plan also includes the development of railway lines, a network of bike paths, and direct links to key activity centers nationwide. Work continues to complete the remaining sections of the project, totaling approximately three kilometers.
"The Sderot Bypass Road is part of the transportation revolution we are leading in the Negev and the periphery. Opening the road is another step in my deep commitment to strengthening and developing the periphery and connecting the south to the nation's activity centers," said Meirav Michaeli, Minister of Transportation and Road Safety. She added: "Along with the new road, which will reduce congestion and improve safety and traffic in the city, and with the train to Tel Aviv and Be'er Sheva, and with the network of bike paths we are establishing throughout the city and connecting to the train station, we will attract more and more young people and students to the city. These are populations that do not wish to travel today by private car, and our transportation revolution will allow them to live, learn, and work wherever they want, and reach places quickly and conveniently. This is the future, and Sderot is leading it."
Mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi, added: "The new road launched today is much more than asphalt – it is a lifeline connecting Sderot to the entire State of Israel, symbolizing the city's tremendous growth in recent years, and opening the door to a more promising future, both in transportation, economically, and in security. It is another step in strengthening settlement in the surrounding area and providing a true answer to the challenges of the periphery."
Director-General of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken, concluded: "Today, we inaugurate an important transportation project that changes the reality in the southern region and demonstrates the importance of strengthening the road network in the Negev, both socially and security-wise. Since October 7, it is clear to all of us how crucial it is to ensure continuous, safe, and accessible transportation infrastructure, for both routine and emergency needs. The Ministry of Transportation is working with full force to restore the road network and strengthen the physical connection between the surrounding communities, cities, and activity centers in the region. We will continue to invest in the periphery and work on the ground, even in challenging times, to bring good news to the residents of Sderot and the surrounding area."