Trail realignment is among the recommendations for a busy rural area where the High Trestle Trail crosses Northwest 44th Street near Ankeny, according to a new Polk County report obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: The area includes the intersection where Courtney Peterson — a Marine Corps veteran and marathoner who was paralyzed — was struck and killed by a dump truck while riding a recumbent bicycle in October.
Catch up quick: Polk County commissioned the study last year to identify solutions for reducing the high number of crashes along Northwest 44th Street between Northwest 118th and Northwest 158th avenues.
- The $55,000 study was already underway before Peterson’s death, but the accident heightened awareness of problems.
What they found: Area growth and the trail’s popularity have increased congestion in that area in recent years.
- Northwest 44th Street is a two-lane rural road posted at 55 mph and carrying up to 5,100 vehicles per day.
- Speed data shows most drivers travel at least 5mph over the limit, worsening reaction times at intersections and trail crossings, according to the study by Bolton & Menk, a DSM-based engineering and design firm.
Stunning state: The nearly 4-mile stretch has recorded at least 74 crashes since 2020, with more than 80% occurring at intersections, per the study…