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Grand Canal Connection Project

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Tempe’s portion of the Grand Canal Path (located just north of the 202, east of Priest Drive) is separated from other regional off-street pathways in the area including the Rio Salado Path and Crosscut Canal Path. In 2019, preliminary designs were developed and a project assessment report completed the gaps in these regional paths.

 

Restrictions

Lake View Drive

Starting in May, the Grand Canal Connection Project will continue east and begin work on Lake View Drive. Crews will start work on a new Americans with Disabilities (ADA) multi-use path with a rest node and new landscaping along the current staircase entry to Lake View Drive off the parking lot under SR202. The staircase, a portion of the sidewalk and the concrete path will be closed until late summer 2026, access will be maintained through detours listed below.

 Impacts:

  • The concrete path, staircase and a portion of the sidewalk leading to Lake View Drive will be closed
  • There will be intermittent closures to the ADA sidewalk ramp at the south end of the concrete path, ADA access will be maintained through detours
  • At a later date, road resurfacing and ADA ramp improvements on Lake View Drive will occur. This will require a closure of the entrances to the East Lake View Parking Lot off Mill Avenue and to the entrance at Lake View Drive and Curry Road 

Public Meetings

Timeline

Construction has begun and is set to wrap up in the Summer of 2026.

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Construction schedule by segment (subject to change):

  • 56th Street Section: March - July Crews will begin installing storm drains, headwalls, electrical foundations and lighting conduits, and grading the new pathway. Landscaping and pavement treatments will follow, with permanent striping and lighting installation scheduled through early July.
  • Lake View Drive Section: April - August The longest-duration portion of the project includes new curb and gutter, sidewalks, Americans with Disabilities Act ramps, retaining walls, pathway installation, a new shade structure, lighting infrastructure, landscaping and resurfacing.
  • Washington Street Section: June This short-duration segment includes concrete removal and replacement.
  • Priest Drive Section: June - August Northbound Priest Drive will be reduced by one lane during barrier wall replacement and new pathway construction.
  • Washington Street to Mill Avenue: June - July Work includes lighting infrastructure, pathway grading and installation and landscaping. In addition, a new signalized crosswalk will be installed on Mill Avenue, affecting traffic throughout construction. 

Funding

  • $1,932,429 Federal Construction Grant
  • $372,485 Federal Design Grant
  • $139,321 Local funding for required grant match

Contact: Chase Walman, 480-858-2072, chase_walman@tempe.gov

Documents

 

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