Transportation + Mobility

Transportation + Mobility includes a total of 12 recommendations across 5 sub-categories: Complete Streets, Public Transportation, Air Transportation, Regional Connections, and Automobile Travel. The bar chart below highlights the status of the 12 recommendations. Scroll down to the Recommendation Tracker for details. Status information reflects the community's work toward each recommendation.

Recommendation Highlight - Enhance bus efficiency and effectiveness / connect residents to resources - F2b

Click the image to learn more about Dubuque's new fleet of buses.

The Collective Impact Model is the vehicle we use to implement the plan. It relies on organizations working together in a structured way, to achieve social change. The model relies on:

A Common Agenda
Shared Measurements
Mutually Reinforcing Activities
Continuous Communication
A Strong Backbone Organization

Each of the seven categories has a Connector and every recommendation has a Coordinator, which is the subject expert. Champions are the boots-on-the-ground; they are the programs, organizations, people, projects, events and initiatives doing the work of the plan. Click here for an infographic illustrating the model.

Recommendation Identification

Connect With Us

A dedicated team of Dubuque residents and community partners are helping turn our city's comprehensive plan, into a reality. These coordinators, connectors, and champions are tracking progress across each of the 7 categories, 32 subcategories and 110 recommendations of Imagine Dubuque.

For information on the Transportation + Mobility Category, contact Connector Ryan Knuckey, Transportation Director, at the City of Dubuque, 563-589-4341 or rknuckey@cityofdubuque.org.

For additional information on Imagine Dubuque, contact Assistant Planner Jason Duba at the City of Dubuque, 563-589-4223 or jduba@cityofdubuque.org.

Tracking Definitions

Needs Resources: Recommendation implementation has not yet begun. Needs will vary and may include funding, coordination, time, and staffing. The impacts of Covid may be a root cause of resource needs, deferment, and disruption of implementation timelines.

Getting Started: Recommendation implementation is in the early stages of moving forward by way of active organizing, connecting with partners, planning and data collection, and/or a few early action items.

Underway: Recommendation implementation is moving forward, with multiple actions in motion and steady progress being made towards realizing the recommendation.

Complete / Ongoing: Recommendation implementation has been completed or is ongoing with continuity and growth in progress. Some recommendations will be ongoing because focus and attention is required to maintain and further the success of each recommendation.

City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023

City Council Priorities reflect recommendations throughout Imagine Dubuque. Annually Council sets goals that contain Top and High Priorities. Thirteen priorities align with the 110 recommendations, some identifying with more than one. Additionally, the implementation of Imagine Dubuque was also identified as a High Priority.

To see a list of 2021-2023 City Council Priorities, click here. Additionally, look for language in the progress section for each recommendation to see if a priority aligns with it.

- Data will be updated bi-annually to align with Council Reports -

Recommendation tracker

Transportation + Mobility: 12 recommendations

• Needs Resources • Getting Started • Underway • Complete/Ongoing

Complete Streets Public Transit Air Travel Regional Connections Automobile Travel

Complete Streets

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Identify opportunities to enhance pedestrian network in JFK corridor - F1a
► Apply Complete Streets principles throughout Dubuque - F1b
► Work from the City’s comprehensive network plan for Complete Streets - F1c
► Orient new development to the street / acquire right-of-way - F1d

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

In the JFK corridor, identify short-term and long-term opportunities to facilitate a more complete pedestrian network. F1a - Coordinator: Jon Dienst, jdienst@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

In December 2021, City Council approved moving forward with the creation of sidewalks along John F. Kennedy Road, installing sidewalks along both sides of a section of JFK, from the intersection with Asbury Road to the crossing with Northwest Arterial.
The City received a Transportation Alternatives Program grant of $190,000 to help offset costs of the project and also approved the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars available to help low-moderate income residents along this corridor. (August 2021)

For all Dubuque corridors, assess opportunities to plan and design for complete street elements during each stage of maintenance and project development cycle. F1b - Coordinator: Jon Dienst, jdienst@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Through participation in the U.S. Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program, the City of Dubuque is studying gaps in transportation needs, through a survey and information gathering process in September 2021. Information sought includes bike/scooter sharing programs, curb management to accommodate new roadway users, automated/connected vehicle technology, and smart infrastructure to better manage parking and transit. Results will include an action plan for implementing transportation and mobility strategies in Dubuque.
Development reviews bring all relevant departments together to ensure adherence to design standards.
Conceptual plans for Central Avenue include complete streets.
Dubuque Architectural Guidelines reflect walkable neighborhood design and encourage parking at rear when possible.
New development requires landscaping buffer.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Complete Streets Concept Implementation: 16th St./Elm St./14th St. Railroad Overpass Project

Work from the City’s comprehensive network plan for Complete Streets, including the Tri-State Biking/Walking Plan and the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (Long Range Transportation Plan), when making investment decisions in individual corridors. F1c - Coordinator: Jon Dienst, jdienst@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

The Millwork District is an ideal example of the use of complete streets for safe pedestrian, bike and vehicle traffic.
The mixed-use development by Merge at the Port of Dubuque to include planning for pedestrians and bikes.
The City Engineering Department is planning with Tri-State Trail Vision to identify areas for inclusion for bikes.
With the repaving of Chavenelle Road comes a trail on one side that seconds as a sidewalk, expanding the trail system from the Northwest Arterial trail and making the street more bike and pedestrian friendly. (November 2021)
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Complete Streets Concept Implementation: 16th St./Elm St./14th St. Railroad Overpass Project

When properties redevelop, as appropriate, work to re-orient development to the street level, rather than separated from the street by parking lots and pursue opportunities to acquire right-of-way where beneficial. F1d - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

The City’s Development Review Team brings together multiple departments for an efficient review and analysis of projects proposing to redevelop or remodel properties throughout the City. This process allows for review and consideration of street level development on a project-by-project basis.
The Historic Millwork and Port of Dubuque Master Plans encourage development to the property line. Examples include Merge Development at the Port of Dubuque.

Public Transit

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Enhance fixed-route service on high-performing transit corridors - F2a
► Enhance bus efficiency and effectiveness / connect residents to resources - F2b

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Continue making improvements to the fixed-route bus service that provides efficient travel options, focusing on high-performing transit corridors. F2a - Coordinator: Jodi Johnson, jjohnson@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

New mini-maps for each route increase rider service literacy.
New ADA buses help improve services for all riders.
Modifications to stops help create ADA accessibility at points of entry and egress. Complete streets will help improve ability to meet this need.
A new fare collection system on The Jule fixed route service will offer riders more convenient options to purchase rides via a smart card pass or through a mobile app on their smart phones. This new system will be operational by September 2021.

Continue to extend bus service hours where it is most effective and provides valued accessibility improvements to the community. Look for opportunities to provide more efficient and direct routes to connect residents to resources and amenities. F2b - Coordinator: Jodi Johnson, jjohnson@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

Continued replacement of mini and fixed route buses provides greater accessibility for riders of varying ability.
Many routes and services were negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of demand caused by shuttered workplaces, entertainment venues and businesses. Services resume as demand increases and staffing can support the service. (August 2021)
Students are better served in 2021-2022 with free fares, and are able to utilize a convenient, free mobile app, or a traditional card that has a one-time fee of $1.00.
The free Port of Dubuque/Downtown shuttle services resumed in 2021 to serve during peak morning and evening times.
A new fare collection system on the Jule fixed route service will offer riders more convenient options to purchase rides via a smart card pass or through a mobile app on their smart phones. This new system will be operational by September 2021.

Air Travel

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Expand passenger air service - F3a
► Target new development near the airport; restrict residential - F3b

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Given the current competitive nature of the airline industry, advocate for airline service expansion at the Dubuque Regional Airport. This includes continuing to leverage local incentive funding to target expansion of airline service. F3a - Coordinator: Todd Dalsing, tdalsing@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Air Service Task force, convened by the Chamber of Commerce, helps identify needs, advocate and plan for a strong and dynamic service, while providing Air Service Forum updates.
Local and Transient Corporate and General Aviation includes University of Dubuque's Flight School, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Key City Fliers.
Aviation Avionics maintenance program with NICC was paused due to need for a qualified professor, with plans to restart in Fall 2022.
An incentive through the Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Program (from the Department of Transportation) provides $1.2 million supporting westbound service to Denver with plans for a new hub and carrier in Summer of 2022.

Target new development around the airport to more compatible uses such as light industrial, warehousing, and agriculture. Uses such as residential are particularly sensitive to airplane operations noise. F3b - Coordinator: Todd Dalsing, tdalsing@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Airport works with City, County, Greater Dubuque Development, Chamber of Commerce and Travel Dubuque to encourage appropriate airfield development; including business park, industrial, cargo, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Stations (MRO) and surrounding appropriate zoning to protect airfield, which considers noise, obstructions, wildlife, etc.
The Airport Master Plan helps guide appropriate development and changes and was updated and adopted in November 2021.
New water and sewer service to airport supports new and existing development.

Regional Connections

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Partner with DOTs to promote safe, efficient regional roadway connections - F4a
► Expand passenger rail service / 4-lane highway to Chicago - F4b *

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Understanding the critical importance surrounding communities play in staffing jobs in Dubuque, continue to collaborate with surrounding state Departments of Transportation to promote safe, efficient regional roadway connections through Dubuque. F4a - Coordinator: Bob Schiesl, bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Complete/Ongoing

Greater Dubuque Development Corporation's Access to Markets webpage outlines roadways, air service and freight to help businesses understand Dubuque's connections.
Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) convenes the City, County, regional coalition of governments (ECIA), the Iowa Department of Transportation, transportation agencies and community leaders to respond to and plan for the region's transportation needs.
DMATS staff and partners to continually update the long range transportation plan.

Through political and funding channels, continue to advocate for passenger rail service and a complete four-lane highway connection to Chicago. F4b * - Coordinator: Bob Schiesl, bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Needs Resources

The services are dependent on funding from out-of-state resources which are not yet available.
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study and Regional Planning Affiliation 8 are undertaking a Passenger Rail Feasibility Study to work towards building a passenger rail transportation system that enhances to develop new regional passenger rail service to help to meet future travel demands in the Midwest generally and improve connectivity between Illinois and Iowa.
Ride the Rail is a citizen-led group working to advocate for rail service from Chicago to Dubuque and educate the community about the updates and benefits from the service.

Automobile Travel

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Implement Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan - F5a
► Leverage technology to improve vehicular mobility and safety - F5b *

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Identify the required project development steps and funding to implement the City of Dubuque roadway projects prioritized in the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. F5a - Coordinator: Bob Schiesl, bschiesl@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

The completion of the $165 million Southwest Arterial/US Highway 52 in August 2020 is the result of an over thirty-year planning and development process. This project allows for the transfer of jurisdiction of the Northwest Arterial, Central Avenue, and White Street from the State of Iowa to the City of Dubuque.
In 2022 the City will complete a major rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Northwest Arterial from Highway 20 to John F. Kennedy Road.
Dubuque's STREETS Project leads nationally with continued improvements to traffic efficiency and safety.
Continued improvement of traffic with roundabouts throughout the city, with emphasis on safety and flow for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
The City has applied for a federal RAISE planning grant to develop and design complete street improvements to the 16th St./Elm St./14th St. Railroad Overpass Project.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Complete Streets Concept Implementation: 16th St./Elm St./14th St. Railroad Overpass Project

Continue being a national leader in leveraging technology and other Intelligent Transportation System solutions to improve vehicular mobility and safety on the Dubuque street network. F5b * - Coordinator: Dave Ness, dness@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Complete/Ongoing

The City of Dubuque is implementing the next generation of an integrated traffic signal system that includes rapid simulation of future traffic conditions based on real-time data collection. It also includes communicating the modeled changes to road-users before they leave and while in route to balance delay and reduce congestion. The dynamic rerouting of traffic to balance road user delay is also expected to have safety benefits with a reduction in crashes and pollutants. Learn more about the City's STREETS Project.
Traffic systems have been possible because of the City's investment in extensive an fiber optic communication network, which feed the traffic signals, video cameras and video analytics. This will ultimately feed the City's 5G network. (September 2021)
The City of Dubuque has plans to install electric vehicle charging stations at multiple locations in public facilities, including at the Historic Federal Building, various parking ramps, and the Municipal Services Center. By installing stations that allow drivers to charge a car in minutes instead of hours, consumers can better afford to be reliant on the new electronic vehicle technology. (September 2021)