In March 2014, a salvage excavation was conducted in an open area immediately to the south of Highway 1, between the Hemed and Har'el interchangess, prior to expansion of the road (Permit No. A-7125; map ref. 212753-73/634143-54, 212985-3000/634089-116; (Fig. 1). The excavation, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Israel National Roads Co., was directed by B. Storchan (photography), with the assistance of N. Nehama (administration), A. Peretz (photography), A. Hajian and M. Kunin (surveying), D. Levi (GPS), E. Belashov (plans), Y. Gadot and N. Porat (OSL sampling), and E. Marko (archaeological inspection).