Iowa DOT Updates Lane Closure Schedule for U.S. 20/Julien Dubuque Bridge

As part of an ongoing maintenance project on the U.S. 20/Julien Dubuque Bridge over the Mississippi River, the Iowa Department of Transportation has updated its lane closure schedule. In a news release on June 19, 2026, officials announced that the eastbound lane that connects Dubuque, Iowa, to East Dubuque, Illinois, will now open to traffic for three hours each weekday afternoon. From 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., eastbound drivers will be able to cross the bridge, providing relief to commuters heading home after work. At 6:00 p.m., the lane will close again so crews can continue overnight work on the bridge deck and expansion joints. The bridge, also known as the Julien Dubuque Bridge, will remain under construction for several weeks, and the Iowa DOT is asking drivers to plan ahead and monitor signs for updates.

The Iowa DOT said the lane will remain closed over the weekend while workers replace steel components and repaint the structure. Opening the lane only during weekday afternoons allows crews to safely complete the work during off-peak hours and minimize disruptions to the travelling public. However, if work is delayed by weather or other unexpected issues, the lane may reopen or close at different times. Portable message boards on U.S. 20 and the Iowa 511 website will display current lane status. Motorists can also call the project hotline at 800-288-1047 for more information.

With traffic reduced to a single lane in each direction, the Iowa DOT urges motorists to use caution when driving through the work zone. Drivers should obey posted speed limits, follow the directions of flaggers and law enforcement, and avoid distractions. The department reminds the public that fines for moving violations are doubled in work zones, and that the narrow bridge deck provides limited room for error. Pedestrians and cyclists should not attempt to cross the bridge while construction is underway. Instead, they should seek alternate routes across the Mississippi River, such as the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge to the north.

The U.S. 20/Julien Dubuque Bridge work is part of a multi-year rehabilitation program to extend the life of the structure and improve safety for all users. Once repairs are complete, the bridge will have a new driving surface, updated joints, and improved drainage. Until then, the Iowa DOT encourages travelers to stay informed about lane closure updates and to exercise patience and courtesy when passing through the work zone.