Creek construction makes steady progress in Dubuque

Creek construction makes steady progress in Dubuque

DUBUQUE (AP) — Work on the massive Upper Bee Branch Creek flood-mitigation project in Dubuque has made steady progress, but neighborhood businesses say the construction has had a negative impact.

The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports (http://bit.ly/1MctWUB ) construction began near Garfield Avenue in June and that the warm, dry seasons have helped the project move steadily.

The creek is the centerpiece of an estimated $200 million watershed flood-prevention effort. A century-old underground storm sewer will be converted into an open waterway outlined by green space.

Funding for the project will come from a combination of $128.5 million in state and federal grants, as well as money collected from city stormwater fees.

However, some in the area say the construction has been a detriment.

Owner of Dubuque Furniture and Flooring Rob Klauer says his sales have dropped 50 to 60 percent since the construction began. Customers have to drive past barricades and signs that indicate road and sidewalk closures to get to his store.

Mary Montgomery, general manager of the Hardee’s restaurant at 420 Rhomberg Ave., said she has experienced similar problems.

‘Since they closed Rhomberg and Garfield (avenues), a lot of people don’t think we’re open,’ Montgomery said.

Deron Muehring, city civil engineer, said workers should have Garfield Avenue reopened in about a week.

A stretch of Lincoln Avenue from Audubon Elementary’s playground to Kniest is scheduled to permanently close in late November to make way for a new road that will connect Lincoln to Rhomberg.

‘Our parents and students have adjusted very well,’ said Ed Glaser, Audubon Elementary School principal.

The creek is expected take shape next week as crews begin to dig the stormwater channel at Garfield, according to Muehring. Final landscaping will be completed in 2017.