PHX Reporter

Phoenix District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado joined with community members and students, as well as representatives from the Street Transportation and Fire departments, Salt River Project (SRP) and Hunter Contracting Co., for a ceremonial groundbreaking celebration for Phase 3 of the city's Grand Canalscape project on Tuesday.

The celebration was held at 63rd Avenue and Clarendon Avenue, where Sunset Basin Park borders the canal. This will be the site of a future fitness area and new pedestrian/bike bridge that will cross over the canal and connect both sides of the neighborhood. 

"This is an exciting day for our Maryvale community, to have this much needed and long-awaited project get underway," Councilwoman Guardado said. "The Grand Canalscape Phase 3 will not only beautify the area along the canal, but it will create a welcoming area for residents to get outside and be active. It will also provide a safe pathway for our residents to connect to schools, parks, jobs, entertainment and more."

Phase 3 of the project includes the section of the canal that runs from 75th to 47th avenues. Improvements will be made to the north bank of the canal and add a route of connectivity for commuting and recreational use, and create a safe corridor for residents traveling by foot or on a bike.

The existing dirt path will be transformed into an improved concrete pathway, with lighting and landscaping. Also included in the upgrades will be the addition of signalized crosswalks where the pathway will cross existing streets, as well as seating areas, trash and pet waste receptables, and a public art component.

The Grand Canalscape project is an example of how a partnership is helping to improve the community. SRP operates the canal system and is collaborating with the city's Street Transportation Department on this project. Both SRP and the city are working to coordinate construction with Hunter Contracting Co.  

Phase 3 is funded by SRP's Aesthetics Fund, which is available to the cities through which its canals pass. The city's contribution to the project is to manage the construction process and provide ongoing maintenance once it is built.

The anticipated completion of Phase 3 is fall 2024.

Learn more about Grand Canalscape Phase 3: Phoenix.gov/Streets/GrandCanal3

Related Social Media Hashtags and Handles: @StreetsPHX #Canalscape #PHXTraffic

Original source can be found here.