Julien Dubuque Bridge
Julien Dubuque Bridge | |
![]() Julien Dubuque Bridge in October 2008 | |
Location | ![]() |
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Coordinates | 42°29′30″N 90°39′22″W / 42.49167°N 90.65611°WCoordinates: 42°29′30″N 90°39′22″W / 42.49167°N 90.65611°W |
Area | 3.8 acres (1.5 ha) |
Built | 1943 |
Architectural style | Trussed arch bridge |
NRHP reference No. | 99001034 |
Added to NRHP | August 27, 1999 |
The Julien Dubuque Bridge crosses the Mississippi River. It joins the cities of Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois. The bridge is part of U.S. Route 20 (US 20). It is one of two automobile bridges over the Mississippi in the area (the Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge three miles [4.8 km] north links Dubuque with Wisconsin), and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
History[]
For a number of years, people living in the area wanted a bridge to replace the old bridge, which was called either the "High Bridge" or the "Wagon Bridge." However, economic conditions at the time made it difficult to get the financing together to build a new bridge.
During World War II, a new bridge became even more important as it would help facilitate military transportation. In 1942, the first parts of the bridge were begun. In 1943, the bridge was completed. It was painted gray to help camouflage the bridge in case of enemy attack.
Because the bridge was financed with bonds, it initially operated as a toll bridge. Proceeds were used to help pay off the bonds. In the post-war years, traffic was so heavy the bonds were paid off 11 years early, and the bridge became toll-free in 1954.
In the early 1990s, the bridge underwent an extensive renovation. The deck was replaced, and a new walkway was installed. For many years, the bridge was a dark green color; however in more recent times it again has been painted a light gray color.
Prior to the construction of the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge, the Julien Dubuque Bridge also carried US 61 and US 151. This resulted in both of these highways passing a short distance through Jo Daviess County, Illinois, between Dubuque and Wisconsin. Now both highways cross the Mississippi on the Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge, which directly connects Wisconsin and Iowa, and neither US 61 nor US 151 passes through Illinois.
On June 9, 2008, the bridge was struck by a number of runaway barges shortly after 8 p.m. Fifteen barges—which were loaded with corn, soybeans, and iron ore—struck one of the pillars on the eastern side of the main channel. Unsure of whether the bridge was stable, authorities temporarily closed it until an inspection could be performed. Traffic was rerouted on to the Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge a few miles to the north.[1][2]
See also[]
Transport portal
Engineering portal
Iowa portal
Illinois portal
- List of crossings of the Upper Mississippi River
References[]
- ^ "Julien Dubuque bridge closed after barge strike". Telegraph Herald. Dubuque, Iowa. June 9, 2008. Archived from the original on June 12, 2008. Retrieved June 9, 2008.
- ^ "Major Eastern Iowa Bridge Hit by Barges, Bridge Closed". Cedar Rapids, Iowa: KCRG-TV. June 10, 2008. Archived from the original on June 11, 2008. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- Through arch bridges in the United States
- Road bridges in Illinois
- Bridges of the United States Numbered Highway System
- Bridges completed in 1943
- Bridges over the Mississippi River
- Road bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois
- National Register of Historic Places in Jo Daviess County, Illinois
- Buildings and structures in Dubuque, Iowa
- Culture of Dubuque, Iowa
- Transportation in Dubuque, Iowa
- U.S. Route 20
- Continuous truss bridges in the United States
- Road bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Iowa
- National Register of Historic Places in Dubuque, Iowa
- Transportation buildings and structures in Jo Daviess County, Illinois
- Road bridges in Iowa
- Great River Road
- Former toll bridges in Illinois
- Former toll bridges in Iowa
- Bridges in Dubuque County, Iowa
- Interstate vehicle bridges in the United States