Dubuque, IA – August 5, 2025 – The City of Dubuque has announced a temporary westbound lane closure on W. 15th Street between Central Avenue and Iowa Street, effective from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13. The closure is part of an ongoing green alley construction project aimed at enhancing stormwater management in the Bee Branch Watershed.

Motorists are advised to follow posted detour signs or seek alternative routes during this period. A map of current closures and detours is available at http://www.cityofdubuque.org/detours. The City of Dubuque Engineering Department can be reached at 563-589-4270 for any questions or concerns regarding the closure. Please note that closure dates and times are subject to change due to weather or contractor schedules.

What Are Green Alleys?

Green alleys are an innovative approach to urban infrastructure designed to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate flooding. Unlike traditional alleys paved with impervious materials like concrete or asphalt, green alleys use permeable surfaces that allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground. This helps replenish groundwater, reduces strain on storm sewer systems, and prevents pollutants from washing into rivers and streams.

In Dubuque, the green alley initiative is a key component of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project. Since 2014, the city has been converting approximately 240 alleys in the watershed to permeable surfaces, with 73 alleys completed by 2017. The remaining alleys are slated for reconstruction between 2029 and 2040, with the total project cost estimated at $57.4 million. These efforts not only address flooding but also promote environmental sustainability by improving water quality and supporting groundwater recharge.

For more information on Dubuque’s green alley program, including a list of alleys and an interactive story map with before-and-after photos, visit http://www.cityofdubuque.org.