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 study 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.
Western Canalscape Phase 2: 24th Street to 48th Street
The Street Transportation Department is conducting a pre-design study that will evaluate a three-mile segment of the Western Canal between 24th Street and 48th Street.
Community Engagement
The study team held a virtual public meeting on April 30 to introduce this conceptual study and request help from the community to identify preferred options. The study is at a stage where public input can really shape the next steps. The meeting was recorded and posted here. There was a post-meeting survey that closed March 18, 2025 and the staff will be reviewing to determine how best to integrate community input for the study's final stages.
Design Diagrams (Roll Plots)
Fun Facts
Did you know the Phoenix metro area has 180 miles of canals? That equals 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 Details
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 winter 2026.
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.
Project Area Map
Construction on Phase 1 of the Western Canalscape project, from 4th Avenue to 24th Street, is scheduled to begin during summer 2025.
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.
The Phoenix Street Transportation Department hosted an in-person open house on May 11, 2024 from 8 to 10 a.m. outside Gallagher's Sports Grill, 3320 E. Baseline Rd., to discuss the project with residents and gather input to help guide the pre-design study. Residents also provided input via an online survey that was available in English and Spanish.
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:00 p.m. Please scroll up and click on the button to sign up for this public meeting.