Demolition, site work, paving and new construction of a bridge / tunnel in Duluth, Minnesota. Design plans call for the demolition of a bridge / tunnel; for the construction of a bridge / tunnel; for site work for a bridge / tunnel; and for paving for a bridge / tunnel.

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. This project will replace the Blatnik Bridge, a major connection between the cities of Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, that without this project is at risk of closing within the next 10 years due to decaying infrastructure. The updates will help prevent fatalities and serious injuries that are 7 to 10 times higher than the state averages and improve employment access for approximately 6,000 daily commuters. The new bridge will also alleviate load restrictions and ease lengthy detours for regional freight. 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. MnDOT is using the design-build process. There will be greater collaboration between the design team and construction contractor, potentially lower cost growth after groundbreaking and allow contractors and consultants to submit proposals with their price and technical approach. Schedule 2020 to 2024: Preferred Alternative Selection and Environmental Documentation 2024 to 2026: Preliminary Design 2026 to 2028: Final Design 2028 to 2032: Construction As of December 11, 2024, fieldwork to begin for Blatnik Bridge replacement design. Construction could begin as early as 2026, but the bridge is expected to remain open until early 2027. Fieldwork planned for this year includes pile load testing, preliminary pier design investigations, geotechnical investigations and environmental testing for contamination. The site that’s going to be most prevalent on the Wisconsin side is going to be in the loop to the right of the bridge. The Wisconsin and Minnesota transportation departments are partnering on the project with Minnesota taking the lead.