​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Western Canalscape Phase 1: 4th Avenue to 24th Street

Project Overview

The Phoenix Street Transportation Department, in partnership with Salt River Project (SRP), is working to transform the south bank of the Western Canal from a dirt path to an improved concrete pathway. 

The area around the Western Canal between 4th Avenue and 24th Street accommodates heavy pedestrian and bicycle use, and this canalscape improvement project will develop a recreation or commuting alternative to traveling nearby roads. It will also provide safe concepts for crossing infrastructure where the pathway intersects with arterial and collector streets.

The project will link neighborhoods with eight schools, four transit routes, a park-and-ride facility, five churches and the future Valley Metro South Central Light Rail extension. Scroll down to view a project area map.​

​Improvements Include

• Concrete pedestrian and bicycle pathway
  

• Area lighting
  

• Landscaping where possible

Where right-of-way is available, the project will incorporate seating areas, shade structures, pedestrian bridges and public art.

Phase 1 Project Timeline

• ​Design completed in spring 2024
  

• ​​Right of Way acquisition scheduled​ to be complete in spring 2024

• Construction scheduled to begin in summer 2024

Project Contacts

Paul NjiRaini, Project Manager
paul.njiraini@phoenix.gov​

Albert Granillo, Public Engagement Coordinator
agranillo@barnhartco.com 

Community Engagement

Western Canalscape Phase 2 

​A pre-design study for Phase 2 of the Western Canalscape project​, from 24th Street to 48th Street, started in March 2024. 

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.​​​​

Project Area Map​

Street Transportation Title VI and ADA Program

Title VI Notice to the Public and ADA Policy Statement

The City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department hereby gives notice that it is the agency's policy to assure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related statutes and regulations in all program​​​​​​​s and activities. These federal statutes require that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or service the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department administers. More information regarding the Title VI program can be found at Street Transportation Title VI and ADA Program or email  STR Title VI Program.​

Pre-Construction Canal Bike Ride

Watch the video below that shows the condition of the Western Canal from west to east as of December 2020, and prior to Phase 1 of the project.