Western Canalscape Phase 2: 24th Street to 48th Street

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About the Project

The Phoenix Street Transportation Department is doing a pre-design study that will evaluate a three-mile segment of the Western Canal between 24th Street and 48th Street. The study will assess the south bank as an active transportation route (contiguous commuter and recreational route) and provide safe concepts for crossing infrastructure where the pathway intersects with arterial and collector streets. This project is a continuing partnership with Salt River Project (SRP) to develop areas of the canal bank in the southern region of Phoenix and connect it with the City of Tempe.

Community Engagement

The Street Transportation Department will host an in-person open house to discuss the project with residents and gather input to help guide the pre-design study:

Saturday, May 11, 2024; 8 to 10 a.m.
outside Gallagher's Sports Grill, 3320 E. Baseline Rd. 

Residents are also encouraged to provide input by participating in an online survey linked below. The survey is available in English and Spanish, and will be open through May 31, 2024.

Community Survey (open through May 31, 2024) Sign up to receive project and pre-design study updates


Where is this in the Process? 

Pre-design is the earliest phase of a potential project. There is no determined construction date or timeline because funding has not been allocated for design and construction. The pre-design phase will allow the team to assess the potential for constructing such a project and identify preliminary design considerations and budget estimates.

If built, Phase 2 of the Western Canalscape will re-integrate the Western Canal into the surrounding communities between 24th Street and 48th Street. Scroll down to view a project area map. 

Pre-Design Study Timeline

The pre-design study began in March 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in April 2025.​

Project Contacts

Project Manager:
Brandy Ruark, Project Manager
brandy.ruark@phoenix.gov

Public Engagement Contact:​
Albert Granillo, The Barnhart Co.
agranillo@barnhartco.com​

Pre-Design Study Concepts

  • Safe crossings at all intersecting city streets
  • Neighborhood pathway connections
  • Concrete pedestrian and bicycle pathway 
  • Lighting and landscaping where possible
  • Branded wayfinding

Other possible improvement concepts may include seating areas, shade structures, pedestrian bridges and public art.
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Western Canalscape Phase 1 

​Construction on Phase 1 of the Western Canalscape project​, from 4th Avenue to 24th Street, is scheduled to begin during summer 2024. 

Learn more about W​estern Canalscape Phase 1


Experience a Similar Project

To experience a similar completed canalscape project, visit the Grand Canalscape between Interstate-17 and the City of Tempe border near 56th Street north of Tempe Town Lake. 

Learn about the completed Grand Canalscape project


Fun Facts

Did you know the Phoenix metro area has 180 miles of canals? That's more miles of canals than Venice and Amsterdam combined. Venice has approximately 26 miles of canals and Amsterdam approximately 60 miles.​

​The nine canals that make up the Valley's canal system were developed more than 100 years ago, beginning in 1883.​​​

If built, this project would provide bicyclists and pedestrians access to:

  • 3 commerce areas
  • 6 public parks
  • 9 schools and
  • 16 places of worship 

​Project Area Map​


Mapa en español