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Council adopts multimodal Central Avenue–White Street corridor plan as guiding framework
Summary
By unanimous vote the council adopted a multimodal corridor alternative for Central Avenue and White Street, directing staff to use it in long-term planning while noting that specific projects, phasing and funding will return for future approvals.
The Dubuque City Council on Jan. 21 adopted the Central Avenue and White Street Corridor traffic study final summary report and selected the multimodal alternative as the preferred guide for future redevelopment and streetscape work.
City Engineer Gus Soyas presented the report and described the document as a technical summary of analysis, conceptual design layouts, planning-level cost estimates, a preferred conceptual design and a potential implementation phasing plan. Soyas said the phasing plan is "subject to future city council decisions on funding." A project video shown during the public hearing illustrated proposed changes including wider sidewalks, dedicated raised cycle tracks on sections of White Street, curb bump-outs at intersections, landscaping and design elements to support a main‑street experience while retaining freight access.
Why it matters: Council adoption does not itself obligate construction funds; staff and council members emphasized that each phase and project component will require additional design refinement, public hearings and separate funding decisions before construction. Members noted the plan covers roughly 44 blocks and 38 intersections and cited roughly 2,000 current residents in the study area as part of the project's neighborhood-scale impacts.
Council comment and public input: There were no in‑person or virtual public comments during the hearing. Council members praised the public engagement and planning process. Council Member Roussell called the presentation "a great summary of the many benefits" and Council Member Barber highlighted the project's potential to increase parking, green space, bike infrastructure and economic development opportunities. Council Member Sprank noted the plan has been under discussion for some time and expressed support for moving forward.
Implementation notes: City Manager Mike Van Milligen and others reiterated that project-level plans and specifications will return to the council when ready; each project will include its own public hearings and funding decisions. The multimodal selection establishes a design direction for staff and consultants as the city proceeds to detailed design and phased implementation.
Outcome: Motion to receive, file and adopt the resolution selecting the multimodal alternative passed 7-0 (motion by Sprank; second by Wethal).
