Major Road Closure Announced on Old Highway Road Near Farley, Iowa

Farley, Iowa – Motorists should prepare for a significant disruption in travel as Old Highway Road will be fully closed for an extended period due to critical rehabilitation work on a Canadian National Railroad (CN) overhead bridge. The project, which involves replacing the center tub section of the overpass, will require complete road closure for safety reasons.

Project Overview

•  Road Affected: Old Highway Road (Old Hwy Rd)

•  Closure Location: Between 3rd Ave NE and Panther St SE (City of Farley limits)

•  Length of Closure: Approximately 1,383 feet (full work zone)

•  Issue Type: Construction / Bridge Rehabilitation

•  Primary Contractor: Canadian National Railroad

•  Work Description: Replacement of the center tub section of the overhead railroad bridge located just south of the intersection of Old Highway Road and 3rd Ave NE.

The bridge carries active Canadian National Railroad tracks over Old Highway Road. Due to the nature of the structural repairs, the road must be completely closed underneath the work area to protect the traveling public and allow heavy equipment and bridge components to be safely installed.

Timeline and Updates

Original Planned Start: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

Updated Schedule (as of May 26, 2026):

The closure is now scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

•  Initial Phase: Railroad crews will close the road at the overpass to replace the center tub section. This phase is expected to last approximately 2–3 weeks, weather permitting.

•  Full Project Duration: The entire rehabilitation effort is estimated at 7–8 weeks, depending on weather conditions and any unforeseen findings during construction (such as additional structural issues common in aging infrastructure).

Project timelines in railroad bridge work are often weather-sensitive, as heavy precipitation, extreme temperatures, or high winds can impact crane operations, concrete pours, and steel installation.

Impact on Travelers

This closure will affect local residents, agricultural traffic, and commuters traveling through the Farley area. Old Highway Road serves as an important connector route in the region. Drivers should expect the following:

•  Detour Routes: Specific detour signage will be posted by the project team. Travelers are advised to use alternate routes via nearby state highways or county roads. Exact detour mapping has not yet been released but will likely direct traffic around the City of Farley.

•  Emergency Access: Emergency services will be coordinated with local authorities to maintain response capabilities.

•  Business and Residential Access: Properties directly adjacent to the closure zone may experience temporary access limitations. Residents are encouraged to contact local officials for specific guidance.

•  Public Transit / School Routes: Any affected school bus or transit routes will be adjusted accordingly.

Why This Work is Necessary

Railroad bridges require periodic major rehabilitation to maintain safety and operational standards. The center tub section replacement addresses structural integrity concerns on this overhead bridge. Canadian National Railroad, which operates significant freight traffic across the Upper Midwest, is investing in this upgrade to ensure continued safe rail operations while minimizing long-term disruptions.

Recommendations for the Public

1.  Plan Ahead: Check local traffic apps, the City of Farley website, or Dubuque County resources for real-time updates and detour maps before traveling.

2.  Allow Extra Time: Build in additional travel time if your regular route uses Old Highway Road.

3.  Stay Informed: Monitor official channels for any schedule changes, especially given the weather-dependent nature of the project.

4.  Report Issues: Contact the City of Farley or Dubuque County Public Works with concerns regarding access or detour effectiveness.

This project represents a substantial but necessary infrastructure investment in Northeast Iowa’s transportation network. While the closure will cause short-term inconvenience, the completed work will enhance safety for both vehicular and rail traffic for years to come.

Article Last Updated: May 26, 2026