Julien Dubuque Bridge
Encyclopedia
The Julien Dubuque Bridge traverses the Mississippi River
. It joins the cities of Dubuque, Iowa
, and East Dubuque, Illinois
. The bridge is part of the U.S. Highway 20 route. It is one of two automobile bridges over the Mississippi in the area (the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
three miles (5 km) north links Dubuque with Wisconsin
), and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places
.
to replace the old bridge, which was called either the "High Bridge" or the "Wagon Bridge." However, economic conditions at the time made it difficult to get the financing together to build a new bridge.
During World War II, the importance of a new bridge became even more important as it would help facilitate military transportation. In 1942, the first parts of the bridge were begun. In 1943, the bridge was completed. It was painted gray to help camouflage the bridge in case of enemy attack.
Because the bridge was financed with bonds
, it was initially operated as a toll bridge. Proceeds were used to help pay off the bonds. In the post war years, traffic was so heavy that the bonds were paid off 11 years early, and the bridge became toll-free in 1954.
In the early 1990s, the bridge underwent an extensive renovation. The deck was completely replaced, and a new walkway was installed on the bridge. For many years, the bridge was a dark green color; however in more recent times it has again been painted a light gray color.
Prior to the construction of the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
, the Julian Dubuque Bridge also carried US highways 61 and 151. This resulted in both of these highways passing a short distance through Jo Daviess County, Illinois
between Dubuque and Wisconsin. Now both highways cross the Mississippi on the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge, which directly connects Wisconsin and Iowa, with neither US 61 nor US 151 passing through Illinois.
s shortly after 8:00 pm. Fifteen barges — which were loaded with corn
, soybean
s, and iron ore - struck one of the pillars on the eastern side of the main channel. Unsure of whether or not the bridge was stable, authorities temporarily closed the bridge until an inspection could be performed. Traffic was rerouted on to the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
a few miles to the north.
On June 10 the Iowa Department of Transportation
inspected the bridge and determined that it was safe for traffic. By 2:30pm they had reopened the bridge to traffic. Authorities believe that rapid currents present in the Mississippi River had caused the barges to come loose and strike the bridge. The pilot and crew of the barge tested negative for alcohol intoxication, with drug tests pending, and foul play was not suspected in this case.
Over the years, there has been considerable debate about the future of the bridge. Much of this debate centers on having a four-lane connection with Illinois
. The debate has produced several options,
Most officials have indicated that they would rather not do anything that detracts from the historically important bridge. Discussion about expansion of the bridge continues. While no firm plans have yet been made about the future of the bridge, officials are currently leaning towards building another bridge adjacent to the existing bridge.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
. It joins the cities of Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque is a city in and the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. In 2010 its population was 57,637, making it the ninth-largest city in the state and the county's population was 93,653....
, and East Dubuque, Illinois
East Dubuque, Illinois
East Dubuque is a city in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,704 at the 2010 census, down from 1,995 at the 2000 census. East Dubuque is located alongside the Mississippi River. Across the river is the city of Dubuque, Iowa. About three miles north of the city is the...
. The bridge is part of the U.S. Highway 20 route. It is one of two automobile bridges over the Mississippi in the area (the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
The Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge is a steel tied arch bridge connecting Dubuque, Iowa, with still largely rural Grant County, Wisconsin. It is an automobile bridge that traverses the Mississippi River. It is one of two automobile bridges in the Dubuque area. A railroad bridge is between them...
three miles (5 km) north links Dubuque with Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
), and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
History
For a number of years, people living in the area wanted a bridgeBridge
A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle...
to replace the old bridge, which was called either the "High Bridge" or the "Wagon Bridge." However, economic conditions at the time made it difficult to get the financing together to build a new bridge.
During World War II, the importance of a new bridge became even more important as it would help facilitate military transportation. In 1942, the first parts of the bridge were begun. In 1943, the bridge was completed. It was painted gray to help camouflage the bridge in case of enemy attack.
Because the bridge was financed with bonds
Bond (finance)
In finance, a bond is a debt security, in which the authorized issuer owes the holders a debt and, depending on the terms of the bond, is obliged to pay interest to use and/or to repay the principal at a later date, termed maturity...
, it was initially operated as a toll bridge. Proceeds were used to help pay off the bonds. In the post war years, traffic was so heavy that the bonds were paid off 11 years early, and the bridge became toll-free in 1954.
In the early 1990s, the bridge underwent an extensive renovation. The deck was completely replaced, and a new walkway was installed on the bridge. For many years, the bridge was a dark green color; however in more recent times it has again been painted a light gray color.
Prior to the construction of the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
The Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge is a steel tied arch bridge connecting Dubuque, Iowa, with still largely rural Grant County, Wisconsin. It is an automobile bridge that traverses the Mississippi River. It is one of two automobile bridges in the Dubuque area. A railroad bridge is between them...
, the Julian Dubuque Bridge also carried US highways 61 and 151. This resulted in both of these highways passing a short distance through Jo Daviess County, Illinois
Jo Daviess County, Illinois
Jo Daviess County is a county located in the northwest corner of U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 22,678, which is an increase of 1.7% from 22,289 in 2000. Its county seat is Galena....
between Dubuque and Wisconsin. Now both highways cross the Mississippi on the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge, which directly connects Wisconsin and Iowa, with neither US 61 nor US 151 passing through Illinois.
2008 barge collision
On June 9, 2008 the bridge was struck by a number of runaway bargeBarge
A barge is a flat-bottomed boat, built mainly for river and canal transport of heavy goods. Some barges are not self-propelled and need to be towed by tugboats or pushed by towboats...
s shortly after 8:00 pm. Fifteen barges — which were loaded with corn
Maize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
, soybean
Soybean
The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean which has numerous uses...
s, and iron ore - struck one of the pillars on the eastern side of the main channel. Unsure of whether or not the bridge was stable, authorities temporarily closed the bridge until an inspection could be performed. Traffic was rerouted on to the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge
The Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge is a steel tied arch bridge connecting Dubuque, Iowa, with still largely rural Grant County, Wisconsin. It is an automobile bridge that traverses the Mississippi River. It is one of two automobile bridges in the Dubuque area. A railroad bridge is between them...
a few miles to the north.
On June 10 the Iowa Department of Transportation
Iowa Department of Transportation
In the U.S. state of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Transportation is the state government organization responsible for the organization, construction, and maintenance of the primary highway system...
inspected the bridge and determined that it was safe for traffic. By 2:30pm they had reopened the bridge to traffic. Authorities believe that rapid currents present in the Mississippi River had caused the barges to come loose and strike the bridge. The pilot and crew of the barge tested negative for alcohol intoxication, with drug tests pending, and foul play was not suspected in this case.
The future of the bridge
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
. The debate has produced several options,
- Expand the existing bridge to support four lanes.
- Build a second two lane bridge next to the existing bridge, and have traffic one way on each bridge.
- Build a new four lane bridge south of the Julien Dubuque Bridge, and leave the current bridge intact as an attraction or as a bridge for local traffic.
- Tear down the Julien Dubuque Bridge, and replace it with a four lane bridge that looks similar to the current bridge.
Most officials have indicated that they would rather not do anything that detracts from the historically important bridge. Discussion about expansion of the bridge continues. While no firm plans have yet been made about the future of the bridge, officials are currently leaning towards building another bridge adjacent to the existing bridge.