MnDOT and WisDOT are working toward a future project to address concerns about the John A. Blatnik Bridge, one of two bridges that connects Duluth, Minn., to Superior, Wis. Carrying I-535 over the St. Louis Bay, the Blatnik is an important freight and commercial connection between the Twin Ports.
Jointly owned and managed by MnDOT and WisDOT, it is Minnesota's second longest bridge and serves an average of 33,021 cars traveling between the two cities each day. MnDOT will lead the project, which will address aging infrastructure, improve safety and better accommodate oversize/overweight loads.
2024 fieldwork/traffic impacts
Crews are conducting geotechnical pile load testing at six locations in Duluth and Superior, Wis., this summer. A crane will be used at each location with a pile driving hammer, and noise can be expected during the day. Results from this testing are used to help engineers design more efficient and cost-effective foundation systems for the new bridge. Construction of the bridge is anticipated to begin in 2026.
Summer work also includes multiple excavations of select proposed pier locations for the new bridge. There will be soil borings at various locations.
Residents can expect to see field work July-October on Rice’s Point in Duluth. A portion of the work zone is located within the DNR boat launch parking lot and will impact available parking. Work on Connor’s Point in Superior will be August-October. Work on the bridge approach in Superior will be September-December, and traffic will be impacted by a single lane closure near the ramp from Hwy 53 to North 3rd Street and the ramp from North 3rd Street to I-535/Hwy 53.
WisDOT created a video sharing the history and future of the Blatnik Bridge.
Federal INFRA grant
MnDOT and WisDOT received word Monday, Jan. 22, that the two states received more than $1 billion in the form of the federal INFRA grant to replace the Blatnik Bridge. Since then, the Department of Transportation has released a new video talking about Blatnik Bridge and how President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is creating jobs, improving lives and creating stronger communities.
