Julien Dubuque Bridge Closure Is Underway

What You Need to Know

The Julien Dubuque Bridge (Highway 20) connecting Dubuque, IA and East Dubuque, IL is closing in various phases for major repairs.

• Initial phase: Beginning June 15, the eastbound lane of the Julien Dubuque Bridge is closed from 6 am to 3 pm each weekday. Depending on the project’s progress, IDOT crews may also enforce evening and overnight closures at times as well. This phase of the project is expected to last until early July.

• Total closure phase: In July, the work will require a full closure of both lanes of the bridge. This phase of the project is expected to be completed in early August.

• Final phase: Includes daytime closures of eastbound traffic. Eastbound traffic will follow the same detour as in the first two phases of the project. As with the initial phase, IDOT may again enforce evening and overnight closures, depending on their progress. This phase is scheduled to begin in early August and will continue until mid-September.

During the closures, traffic on Highway 20 eastbound is being detoured using Highways 61/151 to cross the Mississippi River via the Iowa-Wisconsin Bridge. Drivers can also use Wisconsin Highways 11 and 35 to meet Highway 20 in East Dubuque, Illinois.

Official Detour Route & Travel Tips

Coming from Dubuque:

1. Start on US Hwy 20 in Dubuque

2. Head north to the IA–WI Bridge (US 61 / 151)

3. Cross into Wisconsin

4. Follow:

   • WI-11

   • WI-35 (south along the river)

5. Cross into Illinois via IL-35

6. Reconnect with US Hwy 20 in East Dubuque

Plan for:

• Increased traffic on alternate routes

• Longer drive times (10-20 minutes, depending on traffic)

• Delays during peak travel times