Drivers and riverfront visitors should be aware of temporary closures planned in Muscatine on Tuesday, August 11.
The City of Muscatine has announced a temporary closure of both lanes of East 2nd Street for railroad crossing repairs, along with a closure of the downriver boat launch and adjacent parking lot at Riverside Park for the arrival of the American Serenade river cruise ship.
East 2nd Street railroad crossing closure
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) will repair the railroad crossing on East 2nd Street east of Oak Street, also known as the Heinz spur, on Tuesday, August 11.
Both lanes of East 2nd Street will be closed while crews replace broken precast concrete panels at the crossing. The work is expected to take only a few hours, with the street reopening once repairs are complete.
Because of an ongoing lane closure on Oak Street for crane operations at the HNI Oak Steel Plant, drivers will need to follow designated detours.
Northbound Business 61: Traffic will be routed from the roundabout to Mulberry Avenue, then to East 5th Street and right onto Park Avenue.
Southbound Business 61: Traffic will use Park Avenue to Washington Street, then East 9th Street, left onto Cypress Street, right onto East 5th Street, left onto Cedar Street and right onto Mississippi Drive.
Riverside Park boat launch and parking closure
Also Tuesday, the downriver boat launch and adjacent parking lot near the Iowa Avenue entrance to Riverside Park will be closed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the arrival and docking of the American Serenade, operated by American Cruise Lines.
The river cruise vessel is expected to arrive in Muscatine around 10 p.m. Monday, August 10. Passengers will disembark Tuesday morning and spend time exploring the community between approximately 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The ship is scheduled to depart at 1 p.m.
The American Serenade’s visit is one of several planned American Cruise Lines stops in Muscatine during the 2026 Mississippi River cruise season. The visits bring cruise passengers to the city’s riverfront, downtown shops, restaurants, attractions and historic areas.
The upriver boat launch will remain open during the temporary closure for continued access by boaters and anglers.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to welcome cruise passengers and showcase Muscatine’s riverfront and downtown attractions.
Drivers should allow extra time for travel Tuesday and follow posted detour and closure signs.
