Dubuque Officials Urge Patience and Caution with Traffic for July 3rd Airshow and Fireworks

Several construction projects in the area will require new detour routes and are expected to cause longer than usual traffic delays. Attendees are urged to be patient and cautious as event organizers and the Dubuque Police Department work to facilitate safe and efficient traffic flow before, during, and after the event.

"Public safety at this event is our top priority and we need the public's cooperation to avoid crashes and injuries," said Assistant Police Chief Joe Messerich. "Please plan for longer delays than past years, follow the instructions of police officers directing traffic in the area, and do not drive distracted or impaired. It only takes one poor choice to turn a celebration into a tragedy."

The most significant traffic change this year is the closure of the southbound on-ramp to U.S. Highways 61/151 from Kerper Blvd. This is due to an Iowa Department of Transportation bridge deck overlay project which will continue through August. Southbound traffic from Kerper to US 61/151will instead be detoured to the on-ramp at E. 9th St.

Additionally, the southbound lanes of Kerper Blvd. near the 16th St. Detention Basin are closed due to a flood gate replacement project. In that area, traffic in both directions is reduced to a single lane of head-to-head traffic with southbound vehicles shifted into one of the usual northbound lanes.

Closer to the airshow and fireworks site, an additional portion of Kerper Blvd. also has a reduced traffic pattern due to construction of the Kerper Blvd. Sanitary Lift Station. Between the Roosevelt St. Extension and the Shiras Ave. Extension, northbound Kerper Blvd. traffic is being shifted into one of the usual southbound lanes.

Following the airshow and fireworks, vehicle traffic will be held in place for at least 30 minutes to allow pedestrians to depart the area. Police will direct southbound vehicle traffic leaving the area to both available lanes of Kerper Blvd. The traffic pattern will return to normal south of the Roosevelt St. Extension.

As in past years, Fengler St. will also be closed to vehicular traffic between Kerper Blvd. and Garfield Ave. following the airshow and fireworks. Pedestrians may still use the Fengler St. Bridge.

Vehicle access to the Shiras Ave. Extension will be significantly restricted, and those wishing to visit the area are encouraged to travel by pedestrian means.

To view maps of these detours, visit https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/60896/July-3-2025-Traffic-Maps

Questions regarding street closures and detours can be directed toward the City of Dubuque Engineering Department by calling 563.589.4270.