On July 31st, 2010, the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) will end in Dubuque. An estimated 20,000 visitors are expected, with RAGBRAI bicyclists starting to arrive early Saturday morning and throughout the day until mid-afternoon.
The Dubuque Police Department & Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office ask that residents and motorists be attentive to the increased volume of bicyclists in the area and exercise caution and patience. Motorists are also reminded that Iowa law affords bicyclists the same rights as motor vehicles. Traffic delays should be expected on and near the designated RAGBRAI route. Some roadsides within the city will be posted with temporary “no parking” signs to further enhance safety for bicyclists. Motorists should also expect some full and partial road closures and/or limited access on and near the route. If possible, motorists should avoid the following roads/areas:
City of Dyersville:
D22 (Old Hwy 20) / 1st Avenue
4th Street
2nd Avenue
Dyersville into Dubuque County:
Hwy 136 (Dyersville / Dubuque County)
Dyersville East Road (Dubuque County)
Y-13/Holy Cross Road
New Vienna Road / Gun Club Road
Girl Scout Road
Graf Road (into Graf)
Potter Hill Road / Humke Road
Sundown Road (Middle Rd. closed)
Dubuque County into the City of Dubuque:
Middle Road (closed from Sundown Road to Seippel Road from 7:30-11:30 AM)
Seippel Road (no northbound traffic from Chavenelle to Middle Rd. / Penn Ave.)
Chavenelle Road (no eastbound traffic from Seippel to Radford Rd.)
Radford Road (no northbound traffic from Chavenelle to Penn Ave.)
Pennsylvania Avenue (no eastbound traffic from Radford to Chaney Road)
Chaney Road (closed from Penn Ave. to Hillcrest Road)
Hillcrest Road (closed from Chaney to Asbury Road)
Cross Asbury Rd. to Clarke Dr. (Clarke closed from N. Grandview to Madison)
Madison Street (closed from Clarke Dr. to E. 17th St.)
Madison Street to Main Street (Main St. closed from 17th St. to 3rd St.)
3rd Street into the Port of Dubuque (3rd St. overpass closed to the Port of Dubuque)
Law enforcement officers will be posted at many (but not all) intersections to facilitate the safe passage of bicyclists and motorists. Heavy traffic and delays should also be expected on the “large vehicle & charter route”, which is Dodge Street/Hwy 20 to the Port of Dubuque. Local residents who wish to attend Saturday’s events at the Port of Dubuque should take advantage of the free parking in the 4th, 5th, and Iowa Street ramps and then walk to the port. Residents/motorists are also reminded of the Dubuque County Fair activities taking place on July 31st. Fair attendees are asked to avoid Middle Road during the day and use alternate routes, such as Old Highway Road.
Again, expect delays in and around the RAGBRAI route, drive safely and plan your travel accordingly.
More information is available at www.dubuqueragbrai.com.