Dubuque Police Warn of the July 3rd Traffic Nightmare

I'm like everyone else in the Tri-State area. For many years, I battled the congested streets and crazy drivers to be a part of one of the biggest free shows in Dubuque and the surrounding areas. My family and I enjoyed food and drinks, took in the huge airshow, and wrapped up the night with the always fun (and free) fireworks display.

As I mentioned, the event is great; getting there, or escaping there, is an entirely different story.

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This year? It’s going to be worse.

Dubuque Police and city officials are warning everyone headed to the July 3rd festivities at A.Y. McDonald Park to expect serious delays and major detours, thanks to multiple construction projects happening all at once.

Here's what you need to know about Dubuque's July 3rd traffic patterns:

The biggest change: The southbound on-ramp from Kerper Blvd. to US 61/151 is CLOSED. If you're trying to head south after the fireworks, you’ll have to detour to the E. 9th Street on-ramp.

Kerper Blvd. is a mess:

• Near the 16th Street Detention Basin, traffic in both directions is squeezed into one lane.
• Between Roosevelt and Shiras, northbound traffic is shifted into the southbound lane. Translation: it’s confusing and slow.

After the fireworks, all cars will be held for at least 30 minutes to let pedestrians leave safely. Police will direct cars out of the area using both lanes of Kerper, but it’ll still be a crawl.

Fengler Street will be closed to vehicles between Kerper and Garfield after the fireworks. However, walkers can still use the bridge.

Vehicle access to the Shiras Extension will be limited. If you plan to go there, you are advised to walk.

Want to see the Dubuque July 3rd detour maps? They’re posted here:
cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/60896/July-3-2025-Traffic-Maps

Assistant Police Chief Joe Messerich put it plainly in the press release: “Plan for longer delays than in past years. Be patient, don’t drive distracted, and don’t drive impaired.”

Essentially, if you’re going to the big show, go early, stay calm, and don’t expect a quick exit. Our police always do a phenomenal job. Please don't make their lives more difficult than the night already makes it for them.