Transportation + Mobility

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: 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)
  • Engineering staff are submitting final plans to the Iowa DOT for review in the summer of 2022. The project will be bid and let by the Iowa DOT in October of 2022. The project is expected to begin construction in the spring of 2023

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: 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.
• A RAISE planning grant has been applied for concerning the 16th Street, Elm Street, 14th Street, and Kerper Boulevard complete street work.
• City staff, in coordination with other private partners, are looking at additional hike/bike trail connections to Chaplain Schmitt Island and to the north end.
• 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, when making investment decisions in individual corridors. F1c - Coordinator: Jon Dienst, jdienst@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

• Dubuque will receive nearly $2.3 million in grant funding for a major downtown roadway project from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funding will go toward the design and engineering for a vehicle and pedestrian overpass to be located at the 14th Street railroad crossing, improvements to 16th and Elm streets and a new bike path to the Kerper Boulevard Industrial Park and Chaplain Schmitt Island. (August 2022)
• 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.
• The Chavenelle Road hike/hike trail is complete from Seippel Road to the Northwest Arterial.
• City staff are currently working on the design of the Bee Branch Phase 1 Trail that connects 12th Street with Sycamore Street by the Alliant solar field. That project is planned for fall of 2022 bidding. Construction would occur in 2023.
• The Chaplain Schmitt Island Trail from 16th Street to Admiral Sheehy Drive has received funding from Representative Ashley Hinson's Community Project Funding request.
• Since 2017, when Imagine Dubuque was adopted, DMATS has updated their Long Range Transportation Plan for 2050.
• 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: 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.