By Erin Davis for AZ Big Media

As Phase Two of the Grand Canalscape Project begins, existing pieces (the canals) are forming new connections between Glendale and Tempe, while improvements along the 12-mile trail system from 1-17 to the Phoenix/Tempe border continue to take place.

Connecting Infrastructure and Transportation

Most everyone involved in the Grand Canalscape Project agree that its singular greatest asset is connectivity.

By using the Grand Canal system already in place, enhancements are being made from around 15th Avenue to 16th Street and Indian School Road, and close to 36th Street, ending at 40th Street, with additional improvements occurring from 1-17 to 15th Avenue, and picking up again from 16th Street to 36th Street, and then 40th Street to the Phoenix/Tempe border.

“The canals serve as the backbone for the multi-use, non-motorized transportation system of Phoenix,” says James Duncan, senior analyst water engineering for SRP. “Not to mention the many other bike paths and trails within 131 miles of the canal system running through exclusively urbanized areas.”

According to Duncan, the Grand Canalscape Project will be the first major paved and improved path to connect downtown Phoenix and Tempe.

The upgrades to the trail system are designed to entice more recreational activity and encourage pedestrian and bicycle activity, among other non-motorized transportation.

In addition to maximizing mobility along the Grand Canal, several safety enhancements are being implemented.

“Several crossings throughout the 40th Street, Campbell and Central system will have a number of safety improvements, including push-button, safe crossing features,” says Mark Melnychenko, acting deputy street transportation director for the Transportation Planning and Programming Division for City of Phoenix.

Economic Development Connections

Although some areas along the canal have historically been saddled with a negative stigma, City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Director Christine Mackay is confident these impressions will eventually slip away. “We see the value in these areas as the arteries and lifeblood of Phoenix,” she says. “Companies will want to be part of the momentum.”

This is particularly true, Mackay says, in terms of the Gateway corridor. What was once a thriving area has fallen into disrepair, but with the advent of Grand Canalscape improvements, the area has the potential to be a lively and enticing economic development hotspot.

Connecting Education

A key point of connectivity occurs with the union of four schools intersecting along the Grand Canalscape Project pathway.

Student teams have been an integral part of the process, outlining three focus areas of the Grand Canalscape Project:

• Infrastructure (pathways, lighting and bridges)
• Amenities (seating and shade)
• Environment (landscaping)

Artistically Connecting

The beautification aspect of the Grand Canalscape Project doesn’t simply involve the implementation of landscape, lighting and amenities; it incorporates transformation of these initiatives through local art and design.

$10M in commissioned art is featured along the SRP canal.

Read more at AZ Big Media.

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