Nevada St. One-Way Pilot Conversion between Forest Ln. and W. 5th St. adjacent to Lincoln Elementary SchoolCity of Dubuque
City Council
ACTION ITEMS # 2.
Copyrighted
August 3, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Nevada St. One -Way Pilot Conversion between Forest Ln.
and W. 5th St. adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending that the temporary southbound
one-way operation during pick-up and drop-off on Nevada
Street between Forest Lane and W. 5th Street be converted
to a permanent traffic control measure.
ORDINANCE Amending City Of Dubuque Code Of
Ordinances Title 9 Motor Vehicles And Traffic, Chapter 7
Operation, Section 321.305 One -Way Streets
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Motion B; Motion A
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo Nevada St One -Way Pilot Conversion between Forest Ln and W 5th St
adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School
2. 2026-07-029 Nevada St One-way Memo
3. 2026-07-28 9-7-321.305 Ordinance —FINAL jlm
4. Nevada Street Proposal 26-27 SCHOOL REQUEST
Page 1207 of 1281
Dubuque
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Nevada St. One -Way Pilot Conversion between Forest Ln. and W. 5th St.
adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School
DATE: July 30, 2026
City Engineer Gus Psihoyos is recommending that the temporary southbound one-way
operation during pick-up and drop-off on Nevada Street between Forest Lane and W.
5th Street be converted to a permanent traffic control measure.
Earlier this year, Lincoln Elementary School Principal Megan Elsinger contacted City
Engineering and Planning staff to request that the temporary southbound one-way
operation during pick-up and drop-off on Nevada Street between Forest Lane and W.
5th Street be converted to a permanent traffic control measure. The proposed change is
intended to improve traffic circulation, enhance safety, and provide a more organized
traffic pattern for students, parents, school staff, pedestrians, residents and motorists
traveling through the area.
Nevada Street serves primarily as a local residential street adjacent to Lincoln
Elementary, and the proposed one-way designation would continue to provide adequate
access for residents while creating a more predictable traffic pattern near the school.
The proposed change is also expected to improve conditions for students and families
walking or bicycling to school by reducing vehicle conflicts and simplifying pedestrian
crossing movements.
After multiple meetings between Engineering and Planning staff with Lincoln Elementary
School staff, 65 mailers sent to the surrounding neighborhood and a neighborhood
meeting, the proposed southbound one-way would be feasible from Forest Lane to W.
5t" Street. This southbound one-way would not be affecting the block section from
University Avenue to Forest Lane. Parking would still be available on the east side for
residents and would be in the southbound direction. Parking on the west side near
Lincoln Elementary would still be available in non -school hours. But parking restrictions
would be extended to Forest Lane because of a proposed car line for parents to be
queued in.
The proposed traffic control modification is expected to improve traffic circulation and
create a consistent traffic pattern throughout the day, reducing driver confusion and
vehicle conflicts during school arrival and dismissal periods. The permanent one-way
Page 1208 of 1281
operation will also enhance safety for students, pedestrians, bicyclists, parents,
residents and motorists by simplifying vehicle movements and pedestrian crossings
while maintaining residential access and on -street parking opportunities.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
Amy Hawkins, Dubuque Community School District Superintendent
Megan Elsinger, Lincoln School Principal
2
Page 1209 of 1281
THE CITY OF
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TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
SUBJECT: Nevada St. One -Way Pilot Conversion between Forest Ln. and W. 5t" St.
adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School
DATE: July 29, 2026
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to request Mayor and City Council authorization for
the changing of Nevada Street, from Forest Lane to W. 5t" Street, to a permanent
southbound one-way along Lincoln Elementary School frontage.
BACKGROUND
Earlier this year, Lincoln Elementary School Principal Megan Elsinger contacted City
Engineering and Planning staff to request that the temporary southbound one-way
operation during pick-up and drop-off on Nevada Street between Forest Lane and W. 5th
Street be converted to a permanent traffic control measure. The proposed change is
intended to improve traffic circulation, enhance safety, and provide a more organized
traffic pattern for students, parents, school staff, pedestrians, residents and motorists
traveling through the area.
In August of 2024, Lincoln Elementary began a new special education program, serving
students that have more significant barriers to their education, including mobility. In the
current arrival and drop-off situations, often there are no parking spots for parents to easily
access their students, who sometimes require assistance from staff. This issue was the
catalyst for exploring a carline model to make this easier for all families.
Lincoln Elementary currently implements a temporary southbound one-way traffic
operation during the morning student drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods. This
temporary southbound one-way practice has helped manage vehicle queues, reduce
conflicts between opposing traffic movements, and improve the efficiency of loading and
unloading activities adjacent to the school for at least 15 years. Although this operation
has been successful, feedback from school administration and staff has shown that a
permanent one-way traffic pattern that would remain in effect at all times, would be the
best alternative for Lincoln Elementary's new special education program. Also in the Safe
Routes to School Plan completed in 2009, this one-way designation was recommended.
DISCUSSION
Engineering, Planning, and Lincoln Elementary School staff completed traffic counts
and field observations during the school year at the intersections of Nevada Street and
W. 5th Street and Booth Street and W. 5th Street. Additional observations were
Page 1210 of 1281
conducted during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods to evaluate
vehicle volumes, pedestrian activity, parking utilization, and parent queue lengths.
These observations were used to evaluate traffic operations and identify opportunities to
improve safety and circulation.
Nevada Street serves primarily as a local residential street adjacent to Lincoln
Elementary, and the proposed one-way designation would continue to provide adequate
access for residents while creating a more predictable traffic pattern near the school.
The proposed change is also expected to improve conditions for students and families
walking or bicycling to school by reducing vehicle conflicts and simplifying pedestrian
crossing movements.
With the collaboration with City Staff, Lincoln Elementary School staff shared data and
proposed solutions that would best fit the safety concerns for drop-off and afternoon
pick-up periods.
After multiple meetings between Engineering and Planning staff with Lincoln Elementary
School staff, 65 mailers sent to the surrounding neighborhood and a neighborhood
meeting, the proposed southbound one-way would be feasible from Forest Lane to W.
5th Street. This southbound one-way would not be affecting the block section from
University Avenue to Forest Lane. Parking would still be available on the east side for
residents and would be in the southbound direction. Parking on the west side near
Lincoln Elementary would still be available in non -school hours. But parking restrictions
would be extended to Forest Lane because of a proposed car line for parents to be
queued in. See below for the currentparking restrictions. _
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Figure 1. Proposed Southbound One-way with existing parking restrictions.
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Figure 2. Proposed Southbound One-way with parking updates.
At the intersection of W 5th Street, temporary installation of delineators to prohibit
northbound traffic and to minimize the crosswalk distance for pedestrians would be in
Page 1211 of 1281
place. This pilot installation will also help parents, residents and other motorists to
understand the new flow. Once determined what is best at the intersection after an
evaluation period, a long-term solution, like bump outs and/or pavement markings with
delineators will be needed.
Figure 2. Al Rendering of Nevada St. and W. 5th St. Intersection prohibiting northbound traffic. )
The proposed traffic control modification is expected to improve traffic circulation and
create a consistent traffic pattern throughout the day, reducing driver confusion and
vehicle conflicts during school arrival and dismissal periods. The permanent one-way
operation will also enhance safety for students, pedestrians, bicyclists, parents, residents
and motorists by simplifying vehicle movements and pedestrian crossings while
maintaining residential access and on -street parking opportunities.
BUDGETIMPACT
This short-term installation would include costs for new signage (one -ways, do not enters,
rotating parking signs), pavement markings (car -line dashed line), and delineators
(physical equipment for restriction). The current available funding with a balance of
$27,000 for the short-term installation of delineators is available from our Safe Routes to
School CIP or available funding with a balance of $37,000 in our Traffic and Pedestrian
Crossing Warning Devices CIP.
RECOMMENDATION
Engineering and Planning staff recommend that the Mayor and City Council authorize the
permanent designation of Nevada Street as a southbound one-way street between Forest
Lane and W. 5t" Street adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School.
Staff recommend that City Council approve amendments to City Code 9-7-321.305 One -
Way Streets.
Staff further recommend installation of temporary delineators and associated traffic
control signage at the intersection of Nevada Street and W. 5th Street to reinforce the
new traffic pattern. Following an evaluation period, Engineering staff will develop a
permanent intersection treatment, which may include curb extensions, pavement
Page 1212 of 1281
markings, and other traffic control improvements based on observed operations and
community feedback.
Prepared by: Justine Hull, Civil Engineer I - Traffic
cc: Robert Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
Jason Duba, Assistant Planner
Duane Richter, Traffic Project Supervisor
Brian Wulfekuhle, Public Works Foreperson
Arielle Swift, Public Works Director
Max O'Brien, Assistant Public Works Director - Project Manager
Russ Stecklien, Transportation Services — Operations Supervisor
Dave Ness, Civil Engineer III — Traffic
Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Director
Page 1213 of 1281
Prepared by Kerry Bradley Engineering Admin 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque IA 52001 (563) 589-4250
Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 13'' St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100
ORDINANCE NO. 31 - 26
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 9 MOTOR
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 7 OPERATION, SECTION 321.305 ONE-WAY
STREETS
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 9-7-321.305 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is
hereby amended to read as follows:
9-7-321.305: ONE-WAY STREETS:
B. Southerly: Traffic shall move southerly only:
In the alley between Central Avenue and White Street from East 14th Street to
East 9th Street and from East 8th Street to East 5th Street.
In the alley between Main Street and Iowa Street, from West 12th Street to West
6th Street, and from West 4th Street to West 3rd Street.
On Bluff Street, from West 16th Street to 1 st Street.
On Central Avenue, from East 21 st Street to 4th Street.
On the portion of Elm Street lying west of the railroad tracks in said street from
East 24th Street and East 26th Street.
On the west ramps of Kerrigan Road.
On St. Mary's Street, from West 3rd Street to Emmett Street.
On Southern Avenue, from South Locust Street (U.S. Highway 61/151) to Valley
Street.
On U.S. 61/151 on ramp connection, from 11th Street to 9th Street.
On Nevada Street from Forest Lane to West 5t" Street
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon publication.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 31d day of August, 2026 .
.• .,e.'agh, Mayor
Attest:
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
EFFECT OF AMENDMENT
9-7-321.305: ONE-WAY STREETS:
B. Southerly: Traffic shall move southerly only:
In the alley between Central Avenue and White Street from East 14th Street to
East 9th Street and from East 8th Street to East 5th Street.
In the alley between Main Street and Iowa Street, from West 12th Street to West
6th Street, and from West 4th Street to West 3rd Street.
On Bluff Street, from West 16th Street to 1st Street.
On Central Avenue, from East 21 st Street to 4th Street.
On the portion of Elm Street lying west of the railroad tracks in said street from
East 24th Street and East 26th Street.
On the west ramps of Kerrigan Road.
On St. Mary's Street, from West 3rd Street to Emmett Street.
On Southern Avenue, from South Locust Street (U.S. Highway 61/151) to Valley
Street.
On U.S. 61/151 on ramp connection, from 11th Street to 9th Street.
On Nevada Street from Forest Lane to West 51" Street
Page 1216 of 1281
LINCOLN
L OHS
Dear City Engineer Psihoyos,
Lincoln Elementary
Dubuque Community School District
555 Nevada Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-552-4050
Megan Elsinger, Principal
Jennilee Silvis, Secretary/Business Manager
We at Lincoln Elementary and the Dubuque Community School District would like to formally
request the conversion of Nevada Street between Forest Lane and West 5th Street into a one-
way southbound street.
Lincoln parent group (PALS) members and Dr. Elsinger have been working collaboratively with
City staff including Justine Hull (Engineering), Jason Duba (Planning), and Bruce Deutsch
(Police), over the past year to study traffic counts and propose solutions to address student
safety concerns at arrival and dismissal times on Nevada St. between Forest Ln and 5th St. The
purpose for this proposal is to ensure a safer environment for students, families, and neighbors
adjacent to Lincoln Elementary.
Additionally, in 2024 Lincoln began new special education programming, serving students that
have more significant barriers to their education, including mobility. The current drop off and
pick-up situation was causing challenges for parents with children who need immediate transfer
from their caregiver to a school employee and vice versa. This issue was a catalyst for exploring
the option for a car line on Nevada Street.
Nevada Street is currently transformed to one-way only traffic from 7:45am-8:30am and again
from approximately 2:45pm-3:30pm. This requires support staff to add and remove one-way
signage and conduct traffic control at the 5th and Nevada St intersection. The proposed all day
one-way and car lane solution signage and street improvements support the following:
• The drop off and pick-up areas are clear of other vehicles
• Lincoln families will utilize the car lane, moving along the curb, leaving the through lane
clear for neighbors, emergency vehicles, and others
• The intersection of 5th St and Nevada St will have non -movable barricades to prevent
wrong way traffic from entering the school area
• School staff can focus on student transfer rather than temporary one-way traffic control
• Clear consistent communication and signage is provided for neighborhood residents and
those accessing Nevada St during the rest of the day
• The number of parking streets will remain the same, they will just face the other
direction
• Residents living on this block of Nevada St will have their cars parked in the same
direction as the school traffic and will be able to access and egress from their homes
during arrival and dismissal times
Page 1217 of 1281
LINCOLN
LIONS
Lincoln Elementary
Dubuque Community School District
555 Nevada Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-552-4050
Megan Elsinger, Principal
Jennilee Silvis, Secretary/Business Manager
To facilitate this conversion to a one-way street, we seek these related improvements:
• Flexible delineator posts at the intersection with 5th St to narrow the street opening and
prevent northbound traffic
• "Do Not Enter" signs at the intersection with 5th St to prevent northbound traffic
• Extend the "No Parking During School Hours" zone to Forest Ln and install additional
signs
• Reposition any parking signs on the west side of Nevada St to face the proper direction
PALS members and Dr. Elsinger met with the Langworthy neighborhood group in May, and
they were supportive of a proposed, permanent one-way conversion. A mailing was sent to the
property owners on Nevada St, and in July a meeting was held to answer questions and receive
feedback.
We see this as a pilot project to try this solution with some low-cost infrastructure to see how it
works. We hope this improves traffic and safety for Lincoln families and Nevada St neighbors. If
so, we would look at the possibility of more permanent traffic control devices.
We appreciate your consideration of this project!
Thank you,
Dr. Megan Elsinger
Principal
Lincoln Elementary
Page 1218 of 1281
STATE OF IOWA SS:
DUBUQUE COUNTY
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
I, Kathy Goetzinger, a Billing Clerk for Woodward
Communications, Inc., an Iowa corporation, publisher
of the Telegraph Herald, a newspaper of general
circulation published in the City of Dubuque, County
of Dubuque and State of Iowa; hereby certify that the
attached notice was published in said newspaper on the
following dates:
08/07/2026
and for which the charge is 28.67
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Pubhin and for
Dubuque County, Iowa,
this 7th day of August, 2026
Notary P in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
JANET K. PAPE
y Commission Number 199659
My Commission Expires
12/11/2028
Ad text :
CITY OF DUBUQUE
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
ORDINANCE NO. 31 - 26
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 9 MOTOR
VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 7 OPERATION, SECTION 321.305
ONE-WAY STREETS
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 9-7-321.305 of the City of Dubuque Code
of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as follows:
9-7-321.305: ONE-WAY STREETS:
B. "Southerly: Traffic shall move southerly only:
In the alley between Central Avenue and White Street from
East 14th Street to East 9th Street and from East 8th Street
to East 5th Street.
In the alley between Main Street and Iowa Street, from West
12th Street to West 6th Street, and from West 4th Street to
West 3rd Street.
On Bluff Street, from West 16th Street to 1st Street.
On Central Avenue, from East 21 st Street to 4th Street.
On the portion of Elm Street lying west of the railroad
tracks in said street from East 24th Street and East 26th
Street.
On the west ramps of Kerrigan Road.
On St. Mary's Street, from West 3rd Street to Emmett Street.
On Southern Avenue, from South Locust Street (U.S. Highway
61/151) to Valley Street.
On U.S. 61/151 on ramp connection, from 1 lth Street to 9th
Street.
On Nevada Street from Forest Lane to West 5th Street
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon
publication.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 3rd day of August,
2026 .
/s/Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: /s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
Published officially in the Telegraph Herald newspaper on
the 7th day of August, 2026.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
I t 8/7