SRP Announces Canal Dry-up and Maintenance Project from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20

WHAT:

Portions of the Tempe and Western canals will be closed to the public from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20 as crews remove fish, drain the canal segment and perform maintenance work. During the project, crews will remove silt, replace concrete lining and repair gates along a stretch of seven to eight miles.

This year, crews will be utilizing a new, state-of-the-art excavator called the Menzi Muck, which can climb in and out of canals without the need for ramps and navigate through up to 6 feet of water. These features  save time and conserve resources.

Each fall and winter, SRP performs dry-ups on a rotating, four-year schedule on portions of the canal system. Canal dry-ups allow SRP as well as other utilities and municipalities to perform construction and maintenance activities in and around the canals.

DATES:

Friday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 23 – Crews will use large nets to safely herd the white amur fish, load them onto hauling tanks and move them to other portions of the canal system. The fish are used in the 131-mile canal system to control aquatic vegetation.

Monday, Nov. 24 through Saturday, Dec. 20 – Crews will inspect the canals, remove silt, replace concrete lining and repair gates.

Signage will be posted along the following canal banks that have increased construction traffic and will be closed to the public.

LOCATIONS:

The Tempe Canal banks will be closed from about Alma School Road and Bass Pro Drive to the area near Dobson Road to north of University Road. It will also be closed from Broadway Road, just east of the Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to the area south of Southern and west of Dobson roads.

The Western Canal banks will be closed from the Loop 101 to a 1/4 mile west of Rural Road; between Guadalupe and Elliot roads.

Reporters are welcome to tour the fish herding and canal dry-up process. Contact: Media Relations at (602) 245-0047.