Tempe to begin construction on Grand Canal Pathway and Street Improvement Project

The City of Tempe will begin improvements on the Grand Canal Pathway and surrounding areas later this month. The project includes significant upgrades to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, accessibility improvements, new lighting, landscaping, drainage enhancements and pavement treatments.
Construction will occur in phases across several key corridors, including 56^th Street, Lake View Drive, Washington Street, Priest Drive and the segment between Washington Street and Mill Avenue. Work will continue through summer 2026.

Construction schedule by segment (subject to change):

• 56^th 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.

Additional details on restrictions will be provided as the project progresses. Tempe remains committed to improving multimodal access, safety and connectivity throughout the area.