**JUNE 11, 2025**
**DUBUQUE, Iowa** – The City of Dubuque is reminding residents and visitors gearing up for the annual air show and fireworks on July 3 at A.Y. McDonald Park, located at 2000 A.Y. McDonald Rd, to prepare for considerable traffic disruptions and delays in the vicinity, particularly following the event.
Ongoing construction projects in the area will necessitate new detour routes, which are anticipated to lead to longer traffic delays than usual. Attendees are encouraged to exercise patience and caution as event coordinators and the Dubuque Police Department work to ensure a safe and efficient flow of traffic before, during, and after the festivities.
“Public safety at this event is our top priority, and we need the community’s cooperation to prevent crashes and injuries,” commented Assistant Police Chief Joe Messerich. “Please allocate extra time for delays compared to previous years, heed the instructions of police officers who will be directing traffic in the area, and avoid driving while distracted or impaired. A single poor decision can transform a joyous celebration into a tragedy.”
A major change to the traffic pattern this year includes the closure of the southbound on-ramp to U.S. Highways 61/151 from Kerper Blvd. This closure is part of an Iowa Department of Transportation project for a bridge deck overlay that is set to continue through August. Motorists traveling southbound from Kerper Blvd. to US 61/151 will need to divert to the on-ramp at E. 9th St.
In addition, the southbound lanes of Kerper Blvd. near the 16th St. Detention Basin are closed due to a project involving the replacement of a flood gate. This area will experience a reduction in traffic to one lane in each direction, requiring southbound vehicles to share one of the northbound lanes temporarily.
Closer to the site of the air show and fireworks, another segment of Kerper Blvd. is experiencing altered traffic conditions as a result of the construction of the Kerper Blvd. Sanitary Lift Station. Between the Roosevelt St. Extension and the Shiras Ave. Extension, northbound traffic on Kerper Blvd. will also be shifted into a designated southbound lane.
After the air show and fireworks conclude, vehicle traffic will be temporarily halted for at least 30 minutes to facilitate the safe departure of pedestrians from the area. Police will guide southbound vehicles exiting the event, directing them to use both lanes of Kerper Blvd. The traffic pattern will normalize south of the Roosevelt St. Extension.
As in previous years, Fengler St. will be closed to vehicular traffic between Kerper Blvd. and Garfield Ave. following the air show and fireworks, although pedestrians will still be able to access the Fengler St. Bridge.
Access to the Shiras Ave. Extension will be severely limited, and individuals wishing to visit the vicinity are encouraged to walk.
For detailed maps of the detours, please visit [Dubuque Traffic Maps](https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/60896/July-3-2025-Traffic-Maps).
Inquiries regarding street closures and detours can be directed to the City of Dubuque Engineering Department by calling 563.589.4270.
