During February 2005 a salvage excavation was conducted along the western slopes of Golda Meir Way (Permit No. A-4373*; map ref. NIG 220500/613415; OIG 170500/113415). The excavation, on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and financed by the Moriya Company, was directed by A. Eirikh-Rose (photography), assisted by T. Kornfeld (surveying and drafting).
Three rock-cuttings were exposed.
Rock-cutting 1. A rectangular surface that was hewn in the upper part of the slope (Figs. 1, 2; 1.4 × 4.0 m) and a hewn step below it (0.5 × 1.5 m). Diagonal rows of quarrying marks (length c. 0.5 m) in different directions were discerned.
Rock-cutting 2. A rectangular surface (Figs. 3, 4; 1.1 × 1.7 m) was preserved c. 30 m north of Rock-cutting 1 at a lower level. The diagonal rock-cutting marks were distinct and extended in several directions.
Rock-cutting 3. A rectangular surface (Figs. 5, 6; 0.8 × 1.3 m) was hewn c. 8 m north of Rock-cutting 2 at the same level. A hewn corner was preserved in its northern side (height 0.3 m). The clear quarrying marks had uniform directions.
Diagnostic artifacts were not discovered. The rock-cutting marks, which were part of earlier quarries in the region and attributed to the Second Temple period, were destroyed over time.