A partial train derailment in downtown Dubuque has forced a precautionary closure of the northbound lanes of Highways 151/61 north of the Locust Street Connector. A detour is in place until further notice.
The derailment occurred around midnight today just north of the Julien Dubuque Bridge east of Highways 151/61 near the Ice Harbor and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Nine railcars carrying ethanol are involved, with five of the railcars off the track. None of the railcars are leaking at this time.
Staff from Dubuque’s Police and Fire Departments responded to the accident and are working with Canadian National Railway and Iowa Department of Transportation officials. Canadian National has dispatched a crew to respond to the derailment.
The detour of 151/61 begins just north of Dodge Street/Highway 20 at the Julien Dubuque Bridge at takes motorists to 5th Street. Northbound traffic on151/61 North of the South Grandview exit is being diverted to the Locust Street exit and diverted to 5th Street before returning to the highway. Locust Jones Street and Ice Harbor Road are also closed at this time but Jones Street is open to local businesses. The precautionary road closure and detour will remain in place while officials monitor the incident and all hazards are mitigated. No one was injured in the derailment.
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