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 planning a future project to replace the bridge and its aging infrastructure, improve safety and accommodate oversize/overweight loads. The bridge is currently 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 and has created a website that will be the main site for sharing project information with the public.
MnDOT Blatnik Bridge Replacement webpage can be found here: I-535 Blatnik Bridge - MnDOT (state.mn.us)
If interested, please sign up for project email updates on the MnDOT webpage found here: Minnesota Department of Transportation (govdelivery.com)
Schedule
Here is the current schedule:
- 2020-24: Preferred alternative selection and environmental documentation.
- 2023-25: Preliminary design.
- 2025-26: Final design.
- 2025-32: Phased construction, with complete bridge closure for four to five years.
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.
Public Involvement
The Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation are hosting a public hearing for the project from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave. There will be a presentation of the environmental assessment at 5:30 p.m.
People are welcome to submit comments on the documents through Oct. 19. The materials and a presentation on them can be found on the project website.
Contacts
Marc Bowker
WisDOT Northwest Region Planning Engineer
(715) 635-4973
marc.bowker@dot.wi.gov
Paul Conlin
WisDOT Northwest Region Project Development Manager
(715) 833-5364
paul.conlin@dot.wi.gov
Brent Pickard
WisDOT Northwest Region Deputy Director
(715) 392-7939
brent.pickard@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