Dubuque 2026 Asphalt Overlay Program Improves Streets

Dubuque 2026 Asphalt Overlay Program Improves StreetsSpring is rolling in, and with it comes the City of Dubuque’s 2026 Asphalt Overlay Program. This year, city crews are planning to improve about ten miles of streets across more than sixty city streets and sections, making life a little smoother for drivers on our local roadways.

Unlike big street reconstruction projects, these overlays won’t cost homeowners or businesses a dime. The work is funded through Iowa’s Road Use Tax Fund, which comes from gas and diesel sales tax. That means the money’s already set aside to keep our streets in good shape without hitting your wallet again.

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The process is pretty straightforward: crews will mill or grind down the old pavement, recycle the asphalt, and repave the streets. Along with new asphalt, the city will also be bringing curb ramps up to ADA compliance, which is a big help for folks with mobility challenges.

The work is happening in phases through the spring and into the fall. Phase I kicks off in April on streets including: Butterfield Drive, Center Grove Drive, Cedar Cross Road, Dodge Street Access Road, Earl Drive, Ideal Lane, John F. Kennedy Road, Kensington Place, Ruann Drive, and Wacker Drive.

Projects to come later this year include those listed below:

Phase II, May 2026:

Crissy Dr.
Gordon Dr.
Glenview Cir.
Hiview Cir.
Kane Ct.
Martin Dr.
Marywood Dr.
Rosewood Dr.
Theda Dr. (Gordon Dr. to Martin Dr.)
Trygg Dr.
Westmore Dr.

Phase III, June 2026:

Asbury Rd. (University Ave. to Cherry St.)
Asbury Rd. (Ogilby Rd. to Carter Rd.)
Atlantic St. (University Ave. to Loras Blvd.)
Custer St. (Atlantic St. to N. Grandview Ave.)
University Ave. (Gilliam St. to Delhi St.)

Phase IV, August/September 2026:

E. 20th St. (White St. to Elm St.)
Ann St.
Decatur St. (Garfield Ave. to Prescott St.)
Dock St.
Farley St. (Thomas Pl. to Lincoln Ave.)
Fengler St. (Rhomberg Ave. to Garfield Ave.)
Garfield Ave. (Pine St. to Elm St.)
High Bluff St.
Humboldt St. (High Bluff St. to Garfield Ave.)
Marshall St. (Garfield Ave. to Lincoln Ave.)
Providence St. (Windsor Ave. to Stafford St.)
Rhomberg Ave. (20th St. to Kniest St.)
Schiller St.
Stafford St. (Garfield Ave. to Thomas Pl.)

Phase V, September/October 2026:

W. 24th St. (Central Ave. to Broadway St.)
E. 28th St. (Pinard St. to Central Ave.)
W. 28th St. (Central Ave. to Broadway St.)
E. 29th St. (Pinard St. to Central Ave.)
E. 30th St.
Argyle St. (Groveland Pl. to Sheridan Rd.)
Broadway St. (W. 24th St. to W. 28th St.)
Carr St.
Diagonal St. (Central Ave. to Broadway St.)
Division St.
Euclid St. (Windsor Ave. to Sheridan St.)
Fulton St.
Gay St.
Goethe St. (Burden St. to Windsor Ave.)
Greeley St.
Groveland Pl. (Burden St. to Sheridan St.)
Harlan St. (Windsor Ave. to Sheridan St.)
King St. (Broadway St. to Fulton St.)
Monroe St.
Traut Terr.

The city has assured that residents on affected streets will get a timely notice in the mail with details on parking and project timing. Most streets should be done within a week, and as soon as traffic devices are removed, the roads are ready for driving again.

Driving Tips for Newly Overlaid Roads

Respect the Curing Time: Fresh asphalt takes a short time to fully cure. While streets are drivable the same day crews remove traffic devices, the surface is still softer than old pavement. Avoid hard braking, sharp turns, or quick acceleration, especially in the first few days.
Watch Your Speed: Slower speeds help prevent tire marks and rutting on the new surface, or spraying tar-covered rocks onto your vehicle. Think “easy does it” until the pavement fully settles and cures. Even with full overlays, small gravel or asphalt pieces can be present right after paving. Give extra space from other vehicles to avoid chips to your paint or windshield.
Mind the Edges: Full overlays often leave slightly raised edges at driveways or intersections until the asphalt fully compacts. Keep your wheels centered in your lane and be careful entering/exiting driveways.
Follow Traffic Control and Signage: Cones, barricades, and flaggers are there to guide traffic safely. Don’t try to squeeze past work zones, as the newly overlaid asphalt can be easily damaged.

For more details or questions, folks can call the Public Works Department at 563-589-4250 or check out the City of Dubuque's Public Works page. So, heads up, you'll see some crews out milling and laying fresh asphalt this spring; it's all part of keeping Dubuque rolling smoothly.