I-535 and US 53 (Blatnik Bridge), Superior to Duluth, Minn. - Douglas County and St. Louis County, Minn.

​Location

The John A. Blatnik Bridge carries I-535 and US 53 over the Saint Louis Bay, a tributary of Lake Superior, between Superior, Wis., and Duluth, Minn.

Overview

The Wisconsin and Minnesota departments of transportation are working toward a future project to address the bridge's aging infrastructure, improve safety and accommodate oversize/overweight loads. The bridge currently is load posted for 40 tons.

The structure, built in 1961, is jointly owned and managed by the two agencies. MnDOT is taking the lead on the project. Access MnDOT's Blatnik Bridge project site.

Schedule

  • Construction currently is anticipated to start in 2028, but if funding becomes available, construction could start as early as 2026.

Public Involvement

The Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation hosted a meeting June 21 to update the public on the status of the project. To listen to the presentation from the meeting, click here. The team anticipates holding another meeting to present the preferred alternative for the project in January 2023.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Survey

The Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation conducted a survey to assist in evaluating the possibility of adding a walking and bicycling path to the Blatnik Bridge as part of future reconstruction or rehabilitation project later this decade.

Contacts

Marc Bowker
WisDOT Northwest Region Planning Engineer
(715) 635-4973
marc.bowker@dot.wi.gov

Tim Mason
WisDOT Northwest Region Systems Planning and Operations Chief
(715) 836-4628
timothy.mason@dot.wi.gov

Jerry Mentzel
WisDOT Northwest Region Director
(715) 836-2274
jerald.mentzel@dot.wi.gov

Christena T. O'Brien
WisDOT Northwest Region Communications Manager
(715) 833-9814, (715) 829-9471
christena.obrien@dot.wi.gov

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
Northwest Region, Superior Office
1701 N. 4th St.
Superior, WI 54880-1068
(715) 392-7925, (800) 590-1868
WI Telecommunications Relay System (TTY): 711
nwr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov​​