Julien Dubuque Bridge Partially Reopened August 7

What You Need to Know - updated 8/6/26

Bridge Partially Reopened on Friday, August 7, 6:00 PM - Visit us On Evenings & weekends!

The Julien Dubuque Bridge (Highway 20) connecting Dubuque, IA and East Dubuque, IL is currently under construction for major repairs.

On August 6, IDOT announced the bridge will reopen ahead of schedule on the evening of August 7, around 6 pm. There will still be eastbound lane closures, however the closures will not be in place during evening commutes and non-working days. This traffic pattern will be in place until late September to allow crews to finish painting the bridge and apply concrete seals.

Detour Route During eastbound lane closures, drivers will follow a marked detour. See below for step-by-step directions.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or X (find links at https://iowadot.gov/travel-tools/iowa-511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device. 

It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help with this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511-account.html.

Eastbound 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