**JUNE 11, 2025**
**DUBUQUE, Iowa** – The City of Dubuque is advising residents and visitors planning to attend the annual air show and fireworks on July 3 at A.Y. McDonald Park, located at 555 E. 16th St., Dubuque, to anticipate considerable traffic disruptions and delays in the surrounding area, particularly post-event.
Ongoing construction projects will necessitate new detour routes, resulting in longer-than-normal traffic delays. Attendees are urged to exercise patience and caution as event organizers, along with the Dubuque Police Department, aim to ensure a safe and efficient flow of traffic throughout the event’s duration.
“Public safety at this event is our top priority and we need the public’s cooperation to avoid crashes and injuries,” stated Assistant Police Chief Joe Messerich. “Please prepare for longer delays than in previous years, adhere to the instructions provided by police officers stationed to direct traffic, and do not operate vehicles while distracted or impaired. A single poor decision can transform a celebration into a tragedy.”
This year’s most significant traffic modification is the closure of the southbound on-ramp to U.S. Highways 61/151 from Kerper Boulevard. This closure is due to a bridge deck overlay project being undertaken by the Iowa Department of Transportation, which is expected to last until August. Southbound traffic from Kerper Boulevard to U.S. 61/151 will instead be rerouted to the on-ramp at E. 9th St.
Furthermore, both southbound lanes of Kerper Boulevard near the 16th St. Detention Basin are closed due to ongoing flood gate replacement work. In this zone, traffic in both directions is restricted to a single lane, with southbound vehicles shifting into one of the previously designated northbound lanes.
Closer to the airshow and fireworks location, additional sections of Kerper Boulevard are experiencing altered traffic patterns due to the construction of the Kerper Boulevard Sanitary Lift Station. Between the Roosevelt St. Extension and the Shiras Ave. Extension, traffic heading northbound on Kerper Boulevard is being redirected into one of the usual southbound lanes.
After the conclusion of the airshow and fireworks, vehicle traffic will be halted for at least 30 minutes to facilitate pedestrian departures from the area. Police will manage southbound traffic leaving the vicinity, utilizing both available lanes of Kerper Boulevard. Normal traffic patterns will resume south of the Roosevelt St. Extension.
As in previous years, Fengler St. will be closed to vehicular traffic between Kerper Boulevard and Garfield Avenue following the event, although pedestrians will still be permitted to use the Fengler St. Bridge.
Access to the Shiras Ave. Extension will face significant restrictions, thus individuals wishing to visit the area are advised to utilize pedestrian transport.
For maps detailing these detours, please visit [Dubuque Traffic Maps](https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/60896/July-3-2025-Traffic-Maps).
For any inquiries concerning street closures and detours, please contact the City of Dubuque Engineering Department at 563-589-4270.
