Dubuque County, Iowa — Motorists traveling in the western part of Dubuque County should prepare for a full road closure on Olde Worthington Road beginning Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 7:30 AM.

Project Overview

The Dubuque County Engineering Department is undertaking a culvert replacement project on Olde Worthington Road. The work zone spans approximately 0.79 miles, with the primary focus at the culvert location near the intersection of Olde Worthington Road and Olde Castle Road.

During this construction, Olde Worthington Road will be completely closed from Olde Castle Road to Besler Road. The closure is necessary to safely remove and replace the aging culvert structure, which is critical for proper drainage and long-term road stability in the area.

Timeline and Conditions

•  Start Date/Time: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 – 7:30 AM

•  Estimated Duration: Approximately 1 day, weather permitting

•  Work Type: Full road closure within the project limits

County crews will work as efficiently as possible to complete the culvert replacement and restore the roadway. However, like most outdoor construction projects, progress is dependent on weather conditions. Heavy rain or other adverse weather could extend the closure beyond the initial one-day estimate.

Impact on Drivers

This section of Olde Worthington Road serves rural residential and agricultural areas. The full closure means:

•  No through traffic will be possible in the work zone.

•  Local residents with properties inside the closure area should follow flaggers or posted detours for access.

•  Drivers should expect significant delays if attempting to use this route and are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes.

Recommended Action: Plan ahead using mapping apps or county resources to find suitable detours via nearby roads such as Besler Road, Olde Castle Road, or connecting county highways.

Why This Work Matters

Culvert replacement projects, while temporarily disruptive, are essential infrastructure maintenance. Aging or damaged culverts can lead to road washouts, flooding of adjacent properties, and safety hazards during heavy rain events. By addressing this now, Dubuque County is working to maintain reliable roadways and prevent more costly emergency repairs in the future.

This project reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to proactive road and drainage system upkeep across its rural network, especially as spring weather increases stress on these structures.

Additional Information

•  Detour Information: Specific detour routes have not been detailed in the initial notification. Drivers should watch for temporary signage in the area.

•  Updates: For real-time status or changes due to weather, check the Dubuque County website, the county’s Facebook page, or contact the Dubuque County Engineer’s Office.

•  Safety Reminder: Please slow down, watch for construction equipment and workers, and respect all barricades and signs.

Dubuque County officials apologize for any inconvenience this necessary work may cause and thank residents and travelers for their patience and cooperation.

This notification is based on official Dubuque County road construction information released for May 27, 2026.

Drivers with questions about this specific project or other road closures in the county are encouraged to reach out directly to the Dubuque County Engineer’s Office for the most current details.