Train derails in downtown Dubuque; highway detour in place

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Several roads are closed this midday following a train derailment in downtown Dubuque. Railroad officials say nine cars, traveling from Dubuque to Illinois, derailed at around midnight Wednesday.

The cars were carrying ethanol, which is highly flammable. However, no leaks have been found. Patrick Waldron of Canadian National says no one was injured, and no one was evacuated.

Highways 151, 61, and 52 northbound are closed because of the derailment. The southbound lanes of traffic have reopened.

The detour of 151/61 begins just north of Dodge Street/Highway 20 at the Julien Dubuque Bridge at takes motorists to 5th Street. Northbound traffic on151/61 North of the South Grandview exit is being diverted to the Locust Street exit and diverted to 5th Street before returning to the highway. Locust Jones Street and Ice Harbor Road are also closed at this time but Jones Street is open to local businesses.

The precautionary road closure and detour will remain in place while officials monitor the incident and all hazards are mitigated.

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