'Anata-Shu'afat, Al-Ezariya, Container (Wadi Nar)

Anata-Shu'afat

When we arrived at Anata, there were many students and school children returning home from school.  For whatever reason, almost all vehicles in both directions at the checkpoint were being checked so there was a backup of traffic.  All went through and none were pulled off, but the time to cross increased considerably.

Al-Ezariya

The village was busier than usual with a lot of activity in the shops along the way.

Wadi Nar

Here too, vehicles in both directions were being checked leading to short backups.  There were no vehicles pulled aside and all were let through during the time that we were there.We spoke to one of the workmen who was involved with the construction in the area.  He said that all the improvements, paid for by USAID were meant to improve the traffic conditions at the area.  

The traffic circle is almost completed. 

This workman also told us that he had been hearing rumors that Wadi Nar checkpoint was soon to be closed and the checkpoint at Maaleh Adumim would serve as the major checkpoint in the area.  

We told him that we had heard nothing to that affect.  Does anyone have more information?

The young men with whom we spoke said that things at the checkpoint were generally okay, but there were terrible backups at the end of the day (between 4:00 p,.m. and 5:00 p.m.) when most of the workers returned.  He said that there was very close inspection of each vehicle at that time leading to long waits from all directions. Meanwhile, the road leading from the checkpoint back to Al-Ezariya is almost completed and traffic is allowed on it.  

The improvements both going to the checkpoint and leaving it are considerable and much appreciated before the winter rains set in.