Construction slated to begin on two…

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Chandler City Council approved three agreements on Aug. 13 that will allow the city to begin work on the Kyrene Branch and Highline Canal Shared Use Path Project. This project will enhance the pedestrian and bicycle facilities along Salt River Project's (SRP) Kyrene Branch and Highline canals in West Chandler by connecting to the regional trail network at the Chandler-Tempe border.

This project is grant funded, with a 5.7% local match required. It will add 10' concrete paths to existing unpaved paths along both canal banks. The Kyrene Branch improvements begin at the intersection of Kyrene and Knox roads and continue in a southwesterly direction along the Kyrene Branch Canal to just south of Linda Lane (one mile). A new traffic signal will be installed to assist path users as they cross Kyrene Road.

The Highline Canal improvements begin at the existing concrete terminus at the Chandler-Tempe border at Warner Road, east of the I-10, and will continue southwest to Orchid Lane (0.25 miles). Along with these pathway improvements, new bike lanes and pavement markings will be installed on Orchid Lane and 54th Street.

In addition to the concrete paths, improvements will include lighting, landscaping and irrigation, rest nodes, trash receptacles, wayfinding signage and pavement marking improvements.

Path improvements made within SRP right-of-way are for non-motorized transportation only. Motorized vehicles, including electric bicycles, are not permitted within SRP right-of-way. In an effort to deter illegal motorized vehicle activity along the Kyrene Branch Canal, Chandler staff worked with SRP to have gates installed on the Kyrene Branch Canal, which prevent mid-size and large motorized vehicles from accessing the canal bank.

This project went through extensive public outreach during project planning and design phases. The Transportation Policy Division hosted open house public meetings in Aug. 2022 and Dec. 2023.

The project team made several changes to the project design based on feedback received at the 2022 public meeting. Changes included removing a proposed traffic signal at Ray Road, adding private property and other signage as requested by neighboring communities, installing a permanent gate to prevent motorized vehicle access to the new path, filling in a sidewalk gap on Kyrene Road, and modifying light fixture design to better shield lights and match nearby streetscape designs.

Additionally, the project was reviewed at the Transportation Commission meeting on April 2, 2025 and received no negative comments from members of the public.

The construction management agreement was awarded to Dibble CM LLC, the construction agreement was awarded to KLASS Services Inc. and the post-design services agreement was awarded to Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.

For more information about this project, visit Kyrene Branch and Highline Shared Use Path Projects.

Media contact:
Toni Smith
Marketing and Communications Manager
480-782-2701