The Julien Dubuque Bridge is a bridge over the Mississippi River that connects Dubuque, Iowa and East Dubuque, Illinois. The bridge is part of U.S. Route 20 (US 20). It is one of two automobile bridges over the Mississippi in the area (the Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge north links Dubuque with Wisconsin), and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Description
The Julien Dubuque Bridge is a light grey color. The bridge spans and is 28 feet wide. The longest span is 845 feet.
Because the bridge was financed with bonds, it initially operated as a toll bridge. Money from the tolls was used to repay the debts. Large traffic paid the debts 11 years ahead of schedule and the bridge was toll free by 1954.
In the early 1990s, the bridge underwent an extensive renovation. The deck was replaced, and a new walkway was installed. Prior to this renovation, the bridge was dark green; however, it again was painted a light gray that is currently maintained.
On June 9, 2008, the bridge was struck by a number of runaway barges shortly after 8 p.m. Fifteen barges—which were loaded with corn, soybeans, and iron ore—struck one of the pillars on the eastern side of the main channel. Unsure of whether the bridge was stable, authorities temporarily closed it until an inspection could be performed. Traffic was rerouted on to the Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge a few miles to the north.
See also
- List of crossings of the Upper Mississippi River