City partners with IODOT for Highway 20 safety and railroad improvements

In a recent budget meeting, the City of Dubuque outlined significant transportation initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency for residents. A key focus was the potential application for a Safe Streets for All construction grant to improve the U.S. Highway 20 and Northwest Arterial intersection. This comes as part of a broader effort to address traffic safety, especially with the anticipated doubling of train traffic through downtown due to the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads by 2027.

City officials are collaborating with regional partners, including DMATS and neighboring municipalities, to explore railroad crossing improvements. These enhancements could lead to the establishment of quiet zones, reducing noise pollution from trains in residential areas. The city has already applied for two federal grants aimed at improving railroad safety, although previous applications were unsuccessful. City leaders remain committed to pursuing all available funding opportunities to ensure necessary safety upgrades at crossings.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the completion of the Southwest Arterial project, which has shifted responsibility for the highway corridor's survey and replatting to the city. This process is crucial for transferring jurisdictional control from the city to the state and Dubuque County. Once finalized, the city will work with the Iowa Department of Transportation to implement an Intelligent Transportation System along the Southwest Arterial Corridor, further enhancing traffic management and safety.

These discussions reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, which is vital for the safety and quality of life for Dubuque residents. As the city moves forward with these initiatives, the outcomes will be closely tied to future budget recommendations and community needs.