Project Information
The purpose of this online meeting is to show the project, answer any questions, and receive comments from the community.
The reason for the Dubuque East-West Corridor Improvements Project is to provide improvements for east-west travel along University Avenue. These improvements will address existing safety and operational deficiencies along the corridor and plan for future community growth.
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the project is to provide a safe, free-flowing route on University Avenue from Pennsylvania Avenue through Delhi Street for the efficient multi-modal movement of people, goods, and services in the City of Dubuque. The project area includes the University Avenue Overlap Section, from Pennsylvania Avenue through Delhi Street, and adjoining streets.
Need for the Proposed Action
The needs for the proposed project are as follows:
- Improve safety for facility users
- Improve connectivity of the East-West Corridor in the University Avenue Overlap Section (Pennsylvania Avenue through Delhi Street)
- Enhance multi-modal mobility
Project Background
Why is this project necessary?
-
Safety
Multiple intersections along the corridor have more crashes than similar intersections across the state. There were nearly 200 crashes in the area over 5 years, including over 30 injury crashes. -
Community Growth
The Dubuque Metro area is growing, and placing strains on the transportation network. Improvements to key east-west corridors, like University Avenue between Pennsylvania Avenue and Delhi Street, will relieve some of these strains. -
Congestion
Currently, multiple intersections are at, or over, capacity during peak travel hours. Traffic back-ups at these intersections extend upstream to driveways and other intersections. -
Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility
The current sidewalks along the project area are directly next to the street and the skewed intersections result in long crossing distances and less safe conditions for pedestrians. Cyclists are forced to either use the vehicle travel lanes or sidewalks currently.
Proposed Improvements
This project would have improvements for all road users.
- Limited access to right turn only at non-roundabout intersections
- Safer pedestrian facilities with buffered sidewalks and marked crossings at roundabouts
- On-street bike lanes
- Roundabout intersections on University Avenue at Pennsylvania Avenue, Asbury Road, Loras Boulevard and Delhi Street
Review a detailed map of the proposed improvements
Future Traffic
Review the video showing a simulation of traffic in 2050 along University Avenue with these improvements in place.
Roundabouts
Why roundabouts
An intersection that uses roundabouts provides:
- Improved safety
- Reduced delays
- Improved air quality due to less vehicular emissions
- Reduced noise due to less deceleration and acceleration
- Less fuel consumption in comparison to traffic signals
Roundabouts have been proven to reduce overall crash rates by approximately 30-40%. Personal injury and fatal collisions have been reduced by 75-90%. Studies have shown that fewer crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists occur at roundabout as compared to signalized intersections.
How to Use Roundabouts
Every roundabout relies on certain fundamentals:
- Traffic travels counterclockwise around a center island
- Vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to pedestrians and existing traffic
- Due to the geometric design, drivers are forced to go slower within the roundabout
Driving through a Roundabout
When you enter the roundabout, yield to the circulating traffic (yield means the other drivers in the circle have the right of way). A driver approaching a roundabout should wait for a safe gap in the circulating traffic before entering.
Once you enter, continue around the circle at a safe speed until you approach the exit you need.
Crossing Roundabouts as a Pedestrian
Remember to cross at designated crosswalks. Once, at the crosswalk extend your arm and point to show motorists that you intend to cross. Then once there is a safe gap or drivers are yielding for you, cross. If there is a median island, wait there for a gap in the other direction.
Never cross to the center of a roundabout!
Biking through Roundabouts
Bicyclists on the road can travel through roundabouts using the same general rules that apply to drivers. Take the lane and maintain a good pace. If you are a cyclist on the sidewalk, be sure to dismount at the access ramp and walk their bicycle through the crosswalk using the same rules as pedestrians.
Potential Historic Properties
Potential Historic Properties
Historic properties include buildings, structures, objects, archeological sites and districts that are 50 years or older and hold significance based on criteria established in the National Historic Preservation Act. Along the project, there are 17 potentially historic structures.
- 1865 University Avenue
- 1805 University Avenue
- 1697 University Avenue
- 1875 University Avenue
- 2422 University Avenue
- 2045 University Avenue
- 2027 University Avenue
- 2435 University Avenue
- 2011-2017 University Avenue
- 2451 Pennsylvania Avenue
- 1655 Asbury Road
- 1701 Asbury Road
- 1896 Delhi Street
- University of Dubuque Goldthorp Hall
- University of Dubuque Peters Commons
- University of Dubuque Colonnade
- University of Dubuque Alumni
