Dubuque Approves ‘$20 Million’ Vision at Central Ave and White St

This week, the Dubuque City Council approved an ambitious plan to revitalize the Central Avenue and White Street corridor, aiming to transform it into a safer, more livable space for residents, businesses, and visitors. The plan, which spans from downtown to the North End, includes significant updates to enhance pedestrian and cyclist accessibility while maintaining existing vehicle traffic patterns.

What’s Changing?

The multi-modal design will make big changes to the area’s layout while balancing the needs of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Key improvements include:

• Removing street parking on one side of both streets to make way for wider sidewalks, landscaping, and outdoor dining opportunities.
• Adding a two-way cycle track along White Street to provide a continuous bike route through the corridor.
• Narrowing traffic lanes to slow vehicles and improve safety.
• Removing excess blacktop at Central Avenue’s 18th Street curve to create a pedestrian plaza with trees, picnic tables, and community space.

These changes aim to make the area safer and more inviting for the 15,000 daily vehicles and 9,000 pedestrians that use the corridor.

A $20 Million Investment in Dubuque’s Future

The improvements are part of a six-phase project estimated to cost $20 million, with work expected to stretch into 2037. The first phase, planned for 2026 or 2027, will involve restriping the entire corridor from Fourth Street to 22nd Street at a cost of $330,000. Subsequent phases, ranging from $2.3 million to $5.6 million each, will depend on successful grant applications and future council priorities.

Why Now?

The corridor, originally designed in the 19th century to serve both businesses and residences, is overdue for an upgrade. The city’s study identified ways to improve safety, accessibility, and economic potential while accommodating modern transportation needs. The redesign will connect neighborhoods, support local businesses, and foster community interaction through features like wider sidewalks, green spaces, and bike-friendly infrastructure. The new plan also aligns with Dubuque’s broader goals of sustainability and mobility, connecting to existing and planned bike networks outlined in the city’s Imagine Dubuque Comprehensive Plan.

What’s Next?

The approved plan will serve as a long-term blueprint for transforming the 22-block corridor. While the timeline provides a framework, funding availability and future council decisions will influence progress. Each phase of construction will require council approval for plans and specifications. With this vision, Dubuque plans to take a major step toward revitalizing one of its key corridors, ensuring it serves as a vibrant, multi-functional space for years to come.

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