15th Street Railroad Crossing Closing Wednesday

Motorists need to be aware of upcoming traffic control changes and should seek alternative routes.

The closure is an initial step in the City's pursuit of the creation of a railroad quiet zone in downtown Dubuque in preparation for an expected significant increase in train traffic. Following the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Railways, train traffic in Dubuque is expected to increase from approximately nine trains per day to as many as 18 trains per day by 2027.

A railroad quiet zone is a federal designation for a single crossing or series of crossings where train operators are restricted from sounding their horns or whistles, except in emergencies or specific situations outlined by local regulations. Quiet zones only apply to crossings and do not include rail yards or passenger stations.

To qualify for a quiet zone designation, cities must implement safety measures such as improving or adding crossing gates, installing raised medians between traffic lanes adjacent to crossing gates, additional signage, and other safety enhancements to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the absence of train horns.

A traffic study revealed that, on average, approximately 300 vehicles per day cross the railroad tracks on E. 15th St. By comparison, approximately 6,000 vehicles per day cross the railroad tracks on E. 16th St. Due to low traffic volume on E. 15th St. east of Elm St., the City chose to close the E. 15th St. railroad crossing. Closing the crossing will eliminate the need to implement safety measures to achieve the quiet zone designation, resulting in significant cost savings.

The City conducted outreach to 800 residents and stakeholders in the crossing area, held an open house, and collected public input on the proposed closure in May 2024. Subsequently, the City formalized an agreement with KCPC and the Iowa Department of Transportation to facilitate the closure.