14th Street Overpass Project Connects the Community

The future of downtown Dubuque will look different once the Building Bridges to Employment and Equity (B2E2) project, also known as the 14th Street Overpass, is completed. With the merging of the Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railways, the number of trains through downtown Dubuque will double from 9 to 18 trains per day by 2027. At-grade crossings are numerous while Fengler Street and Highway 151/61 are the only routes that are not impeded by at-grade crossings. Emergency vehicles from fire and police departments and hospitals are currently affected with so many at-grade closures. Many citizens express frustration over long train delays. Elevating 14th Street over the railroad is a way to connect the downtown neighborhoods not only out of necessity for emergency vehicles but also for economic and recreational reasons. Too much time is lost for businesses, citizens, and visitors sitting in traffic. Therefore, this project will link Downtown Dubuque, the Millwork District, Chaplain Schmitt Island, Kerper Boulevard Industrial Park, and the Intermodal Transportation Center together with efficiency in mind. The 14th Street Overpass Bridge will not be the only improvement in the area. Building two roundabouts on the Chaplain Schmitt Island and Kerper intersections, modifying the narrow walking bridge to Chaplain Schmitt Island, and re-designing 16th and Elm Streets to Complete Streets regulations are all in the plans.

Various grants from multiple RAISE Grant funds and the Dubuque Racing Association will assist with the design and implementation of the project, all due to be completed by 2030. The project will focus on:

• A vehicular/pedestrian overpass at the 14th St. railroad at-grade crossing

• Roundabout at the 16th St. and Sycamore St. intersection

• Roundabout at the 16th St. / Greyhound Park Rd. / Admiral Sheehy Dr. intersection

• Elm St. corridor Complete Streets improvements

• 16th St. Complete Streets improvements, including installing sidewalks along segments without existing sidewalks and enhanced crosswalks at the 16th St. and Kerper Blvd. intersection

• Bridge sidewalk modifications to the Peosta Channel Bridge, including a pedestrian and bike shared-use path.

These improvements are designed with walkers and bikers in mind. Let’s hope funding continues, and all phases of the project will welcomed by all who use the riverfront and the daily vehicles that need efficient travel.