**Traffic Advisory for Dubuque’s Annual Air Show and Fireworks**
The City of Dubuque is advising both residents and visitors attending the annual air show and fireworks display on July 3 at A.Y. McDonald Park to prepare for considerable traffic delays, particularly following the event. Ongoing construction projects in the vicinity will necessitate new detour routes, contributing to longer than normal travel times.
Assistant Police Chief Joe Messerich underscored the importance of public safety, urging attendees to exercise patience and caution. “We anticipate longer delays compared to previous years. Please adhere to the directions of police officers managing traffic in the area, and avoid driving under distraction or impairment,” stated Messerich. “A single poor decision can turn a celebration into a tragedy.”
Noteworthy traffic alterations will include the closure of the southbound on-ramp to U.S. Highways 61/151 from Kerper Blvd. due to a bridge deck overlay initiative. Southbound vehicles will need to divert to the on-ramp located at E. 9th St. Furthermore, the southbound lanes of Kerper Blvd. close near the 16th St. Detention Basin for a flood gate replacement, while Kerper Blvd. is experiencing a reduced traffic pattern due to the construction of the Kerper Blvd. Sanitary Lift Station.
Post-event, vehicle traffic will be paused for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow pedestrians to exit the area safely. Officers will direct outbound southbound traffic to both lanes of Kerper Blvd. Following the event, Fengler St. will be closed to vehicles between Kerper Blvd. and Garfield Ave., and access to the Shiras Ave. Extension will be significantly limited.
For detailed maps of the detour routes, please visit [Dubuque’s Traffic Maps](https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/60896/July-3-2025-Traffic-Maps).
