Julien Dubuque Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Julien Dubuque Bridge
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Julien Dubuque Bridge in October 2008
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| Location |  US 20, between Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois, over the Mississippi River |
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| Area | 3.8 acres (1.5 ha) |
| Built | 1943 |
| Architectural style | Trussed arch bridge |
| NRHP reference No. | 99001034 |
| Added to NRHP | August 27, 1999 |
The Julien Dubuque Bridge is a cool bridge that goes over the mighty Mississippi River. It connects two cities: Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois. This bridge is an important part of U.S. Route 20, which is a major highway. It's one of two bridges in the area that cars can use to cross the Mississippi River. The other one, the Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge, is a bit further north and connects Dubuque to Wisconsin. The Julien Dubuque Bridge is also special because it's listed in the National Register of Historic Places, meaning it's an important historical landmark.
Contents
Building the Bridge
For many years, people living near the Mississippi River really wanted a new bridge. They had an old one, sometimes called the "High Bridge" or "Wagon Bridge." But it was hard to find enough money to build a brand new bridge back then.
A Bridge for Wartime Needs
During World War II, building a new bridge became super important. It would help move military supplies and people faster. So, in 1942, work began on the new bridge. It was finished quickly in 1943. The bridge was painted gray to help hide it from enemy planes.
From Toll Bridge to Free Crossing
When the bridge first opened, you had to pay a small fee, called a toll, to cross it. This money was used to pay back the people who helped fund the bridge's construction. After the war, so many cars used the bridge that the loans were paid off much faster than expected. The bridge became completely free to use in 1954, which was 11 years early!
Bridge Updates and Changes
In the early 1990s, the Julien Dubuque Bridge got a big makeover. Workers replaced the top part where cars drive, called the deck. They also added a new walkway for people to use. For a long time, the bridge was painted a dark green color. But now, it's back to its original light gray.
Highway Connections
Before the Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge was built, the Julien Dubuque Bridge carried even more highways. It used to be part of US 61 and US 151. This meant those highways had to pass through a small part of Jo Daviess County, Illinois. Now, both US 61 and US 151 use the newer Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge. This bridge connects Iowa and Wisconsin directly, so those highways no longer go through Illinois.
Barge Collision Incident
On June 9, 2008, something unusual happened. A group of runaway barges crashed into the bridge! Fifteen barges, which are large flat boats, were loaded with corn, soybeans, and iron ore. They hit one of the bridge's support pillars on the eastern side.
Authorities weren't sure if the bridge was still safe after the crash. So, they closed it for a short time to check for damage. Cars had to use the Dubuque–Wisconsin Bridge a few miles north instead. Luckily, the Julien Dubuque Bridge was found to be stable and reopened.
