Tempe residents and visitors should prepare for some inconvenience starting tomorrow, as the Salt River Project (SRP) begins essential maintenance on parts of the Western Canal. The canal and surrounding pathways will be closed for a month, concluding on December 20, in an effort to address damages and maintain the integrity of the Valley’s waterways.
According to an announcement from the City of Tempe, to ensure the safety of the community and the SRP crews, the paths and both bank areas along the canal will not be accessible to the public during the maintenance period. Known for being a popular route for joggers and cyclists, the closure will affect the Western Canal from Guadalupe Road to the Ken McDonald golf course, with additional sections up to Price Road affected as well.
Specific closures include the stretch from the Ken McDonald golf course second hole to Rural Road, then continuing from Rural Road to McClintock Drive. The work also means the Kyrene Canal pedestrian bridge will be out of service. Despite these extensive closures, the vehicular bridge from the clubhouse to the YMCA parking lots, as well as several pedestrian bridges like those on Dorsey Lane and Country Club Way, will continue to stay open for use.
The SRP dry-up is necessary for "storm-related damage, identifies critical areas requiring attention, and helps safeguard the Valley’s waterways," according to the City’s communication. Although the closures may disrupt usual traffic and recreational activities, the repairs are pivotal for the long-term sustainability of the canal system, which serves as an integral part of the city's infrastructure. With the pedestrian bridges at Ken McDonald, Dorsey Lane, and Country Club Way remaining open, commuters and residents will still have some options for traversing the area.
