During August–September 2006, a survey prior to development was conducted between Rishpon and the Ra‘anana–Kefar Sava Junction (Permit No. A-4855*; map ref. NIG 18390–9088/674333–8653; OIG 13390–4088/174333–8653), prior to the paving of Highway 531. The survey, carried out on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and financed by the Department of Public Works, was directed by A. ‘Azab, with the assistance of A. Dagot (GPS), M. Peilstöker and E. Ayalon.
The survey was performed along the route of the highway for a distance of c. 5 km. The area was surveyed back and forth and locations were recorded by GPS. The difficult terrain consisted of heaps of refuse, dense vegetation and cultivated fields, which hindered the ability to survey. A single archaeological site (map ref. NIG 18415/67800; OIG 13415/17800), which had a meager scattering of Byzantine-period potsherds mixed with small fieldstones that covered a large area of c. 150 × 150 m, was found.