City Of Phoenix Looks Ahead With Canalscape Projects
Over the next couple of years, the Grand Canal, which cuts through central Phoenix will be transformed into a multiuse pathway with lighting, improved neighborhood access points, landscaping and public art. And that’s just Phase One of what the city is calling the Grand Canalscape Project.
Yesterday, Phoenix officials announced they won a $10 million grant for Phase Two. Ground hasn’t even been broken on Phase One yet. That’s supposed to happen next summer. But the city is already looking ahead.
Phase Two will see the creation of a pathway from Interstate 17 to Tempe Town Lake. Kerry Wilcoxon is with the city of Phoenix. He said, eventually, the Western flank of the Grand Canal will also undergo a similar transformation.
“Twenty, 30,000 trips per day on canal bank would be something to aspire to. Because I think once you do that you not only change the psyche of the city, but you start realizing the possibilities of a foot-based commuter system," said Wilcoxon.
And with all those bicyclists and pedestrians, Wilcoxon said those possibilities could include economic developments on land surrounding the canal.
