Tempe’s Grand Canal path upgrades bring new lighting, shade structures, trail connections

PHOENIX — Construction on a major pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure project along Tempe’s Grand Canal is underway and expected to wrap up in July, city officials announced.

The Grand Canal Pathway and Street Improvement Project includes new lighting, landscaping, drainage upgrades and pavement treatments across several corridors, including 56th Street, Lake View Drive, Washington Street, Priest Drive and the segment between Washington Street and Mill Avenue.

The project also includes accessibility improvements such as new ramps and sidewalks.

What improvements are done and when at the Grand Canal?

Construction will occur in phases:

• 56th Street (starting this month): Crews will install storm drains, electrical foundations, lighting conduits and grade the new pathway.
• Lake View Drive (starting April): The longest segment includes new curb and gutter, sidewalks, ADA ramps, retaining walls, a shade structure, lighting and resurfacing.
• Washington Street (starting June): Crews will remove and replace concrete.
• Priest Drive (starting June): Northbound traffic loses one lane during barrier wall replacement and pathway construction.
• Washington Street to Mill Avenue (starting June): Work includes pathway grading, lighting and landscaping.

The city said additional details on traffic restrictions will be released as the project progresses.

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