The Iowa Department of Transportation will fully open the Julien Dubuque Bridge (U.S. Highway 20) connecting Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois, in both directions from Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7, 2026. This temporary full opening covers the Labor Day weekend as an extensive repair project continues. 

The multi-phase repair work began around June 10, 2026 (after an earlier planned start was delayed). It has involved daytime single-lane closures, a roughly 30-day full closure of both directions starting in early July, and subsequent lane restrictions. The project is scheduled to wrap up in mid-to-late September. Remaining work focuses on finishing painting and applying concrete sealers to the deck and railings. 

After the Labor Day weekend, the eastbound lane is expected to close again on working days. It will reopen for the evening commute and remain open on non-working days (weekends and holidays). This pattern is planned to continue through late September to allow crews to complete the final tasks. Drivers should continue to watch for work zones, reduced speeds, and equipment during active construction periods. 

Earlier phases required detours, typically routing traffic over the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge (via U.S. 61/151 and related Wisconsin/Illinois highways), which added travel time. Pedestrian and bicycle access across the Julien Dubuque Bridge was closed for the duration of major work, with a free reservation-based shuttle offered at times between the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center and the East Dubuque Public Library.

The Julien Dubuque Bridge is a key Mississippi River crossing for local commuters, commerce, and regional travel. Officials recommend checking the latest conditions via Iowa’s 511 system (511ia.org, the 511 app, or by calling 511 in Iowa / 800-288-1047 outside the state) and watching for message boards, as weather or project progress can affect schedules.

Travelers planning weekend trips or holiday travel between the Iowa and Illinois sides can use the fully open bridge from September 4–7 without the usual weekday restrictions. After that, expect intermittent eastbound weekday closures until the project’s expected completion later in September. Always drive cautiously in active work zones, where fines for moving violations are typically doubled.