Julien Dubuque Bridge Closure in 2026: What Needs Done to Keep it Safe?

Drivers who regularly cross the Mississippi River on U.S. 20 will want to plan ahead, as big improvements are coming to the Julien Dubuque Bridge in Dubuque that will require it's closure. The Iowa Department of Transportation has announced that bridge maintenance work is scheduled for the 2026 construction season, and the project will require a full bridge closure for part of that time.

According to my correspondence with the Iowa DOT, the work will include deck joint repairs, painting of the steel superstructure, sealing the bridge deck, repairing railings, and replacing the handrail along the pedestrian walkway. These updates were identified as necessary during routine inspections. State bridges are inspected every 24 months or less to ensure safety and structural integrity. The Iowa DOT stated that the planned improvements are designed to keep the bridge in good, serviceable condition for years to come.

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The exact start date isn’t finalized yet because the construction contract has not been awarded. However, the Iowa DOT has set a late start date of July 6th, 2026. Once work begins, officials anticipate a full closure of the bridge for about one month, with an eastbound detour lasting up to three months.

During the closure, traffic will detour from U.S. 20 in Dubuque to the U.S. 61/151 Iowa–Wisconsin Bridge. In Wisconsin, vehicles will follow Highways 11 and 35, then take Illinois Highway 35 back to U.S. 20 in East Dubuque, Illinois.

The Iowa DOT plans to share more information, including exact timing, closure dates, and project details, once a contractor. Those details should come in early spring of 2026. Watch here for more updates as the timeline becomes official.