Western Canal Design Study: 48th Street to the I-10

Once constructed, this project will connect to the Phoenix Canalscape at 48th Street to create a continuous off-street path connecting Tempe with Phoenix and Chandler along the Western Canal. This preliminary design project will also include proposed improvements to Wendler Drive to help users navigate to the canal path.

Public Meetings and Comment Period

Based on public feedback provided in May 2025, Tempe refined the preliminary design of path and street improvements. The second round of public meetings will be to view the proposed improvements and to provide feedback on the updated preliminary design.

Public meetings were held Nov. 5, 2025, and public comment was taken from Nov. 5 to 19, 2025.

Proposed Design

 Conceptual Design Rendering

Documents

• November 2025 Public Comments PDF 
• Watch the video from the November 5, 2025 meeting
• November 2025 Roll Plot PDF
• November 5, 2025 Presentation PDF
• May 2025 Public Comments. PDF
• May 13, 2025 Public Meeting Presentation PDF
• Watch the video from the May 13, 2025 meeting

Funding

In January 2025, Tempe was awarded a Maricopa Association of Governments Design Assistance grant for the Western Canal Bike and Pedestrian Improvements Project. No funding has been identified for final design or construction of this project. 

Contact

For more information, contact the Project Manager, Lindsay Post at 480-350-2734.