D1 - I-535 Blatnik Bridge in Duluth: 2027 construction
 
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Connector, MnDOT and WisDOT’s newsletter to help you stay informed about the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge. This newsletter is intended to share more about the historic structure, the ins and outs of a construction project of this magnitude, public events and much more.
There is so much information to share on this bridge project, so look for monthly newsletters during the life of the project to highlight preparation for construction, bridge demolition, replacement and more. And if you have any story ideas or questions you'd like answered, please contact us.
 Blatnik Bridge being built circa 1960.
If you are receiving this initial Blatnik Bridge newsletter, you likely already know about the project. Please share information with anyone you know because we want to make sure people are informed.
Brief history of the bridge
The John A. Blatnik Bridge, one of two bridges that connects Duluth, Minn., to Superior, Wis., opened to traffic in 1961 and carries I-535 over the St. Louis Bay. The Blatnik Bridge 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 33,000 cars traveling between the two cities each day. In early 2024, the two agencies received more than $1 billion in federal funding to replace the aging bridge. Both states are also contributing funding for the project. MnDOT will lead the bridge replacement project, which will address aging infrastructure, improve safety and better accommodate oversize/overweight loads.
MnDOT and WisDOT hosted a public update meeting on Oct. 20 to share information about key accomplishments over the last year such as preliminary engineering, permitting, permits, environmental document updates, development of contract documents for bidders and more. The team also provided information on traffic mitigation, main span lighting on the new bridge and an estimated construction schedule. Anyone who was unable to attend can watch a recording of the presentation.
Why are you replacing the bridge?
The Blatnik Bridge is critical to the Port of Duluth-Superior. Built in 1961, it is in poor condition, has weight restrictions and traffic safety issues and is nearing the end of its service life. Without replacement, the Blatnik Bridge is predicted to close by 2030.
Constructing a new bridge will address aging infrastructure, improve safety and better accommodate oversize/overweight freight. Slated to begin construction in fall 2026, the new bridge was planned to follow the Twin Ports Interchange project in Duluth to avoid having multiple major traffic impacts at the same time.
While the two states share in costs, process and decision making, MnDOT leads projects relating to the Blatnik Bridge project, and WisDOT leads projects relating to the Bong Bridge.
Why is it being built on the same alignment?
MnDOT and WisDOT evaluated more than 25 alternatives and narrowed the list to five for deeper review. We are moving forward with building on the existing alignment with a shared-use path and a new interchange in Superior. Following the existing alignment will cost less, take less time to construct, minimize environmental impacts and help reduce construction delays/hazards for the travelling public. More information on the alignment.
For more FAQs, visit the project website.
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More information
For more project information, please visit the project website.
Have a story idea or a question you'd like more information about? Email us.
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