Oct 6, 2025 - News
Des Moines seeks input about a crash-heavy stretch of University Avenue
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The city of Des Moines has launched a survey to identify the factors that should be considered for safety improvements along a two-mile stretch of University Avenue.
Why it matters: It is one of the metro's busiest and most dangerous traffic corridors, with several schools and hospitals along the route.
Context: DSM adopted a Vision Zero plan in 2023 with a goal of eliminating serious traffic accidents by 2040.
- The section along University Avenue was designated as a high-injury corridor in the city and qualifies for using part of a $13 million federal grant to speed up its improvements.
- The City Council hired a traffic consultant in June to conduct a study to help determine changes.
Flashback: The corridor is close to East High School and just a few blocks from where a student was killed in a hit-and-run in 2022.
- The city expedited improvements in that section soon after her death.
What's next: The residents' survey will remain open at least through the end of this year.
- The consultant plans to finish their study by the end of next year.