Tall plants along Fleur Drive tied to a $150K traffic settlement

Catch up quick: The crash happened in September 2021, near Fleur Drive and Southlawn Drive by the DSM International Airport.

• Polk County resident Clay Blanchard said in court documents that the combination of oversized vegetation in the median's boxes and a street sign blocked a turning vehicle from seeing his motorcycle.
• Blanchard said he was forced to lay down his motorcycle to avoid colliding with the vehicle.

The intrigue: The city successfully argued in 2023 that Blanchard did not meet Iowa's heightened standards for suing government entities, and the case was dismissed.

Yes, but: An Iowa Court of Appeals decision in December reversed the ruling, concluding that Blanchard had adequately pleaded a common-law negligence claim and remanded the case to Polk County District Court.

Between the lines: By settling, the city avoids a potential jury trial and ongoing legal expenses.

Behind the scenes: The city announced a $2 million makeover of the Fleur Drive medians in 2023, featuring lower-growing plants.

• The changes were made in collaboration with the city's engineering department to ensure clear vision, city manager Scott Sanders tells Axios.

What we're watching: Whether dozens of street safety projects can help achieve Des Moines' goal of eliminating serious accidents.