The John A. Blatnik Bridge stands as a crucial artery connecting Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, carrying Interstate 535 over the St. Louis Bay. Since its inauguration in 1961, the John A. Blatnik Bridge has been a vital link for freight and commercial activities within the Twin Ports region.
Jointly stewarded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), this bridge, Minnesota’s second longest, accommodates approximately 33,000 vehicles daily. Recognizing the aging infrastructure, both agencies secured over $1 billion in federal funding in early 2024 to undertake a comprehensive replacement project. Supplemented by state contributions, this initiative, spearheaded by MnDOT, aims to modernize the bridge, enhance safety, and improve its capacity for oversize and overweight loads.
Deciding on the New Bridge Alignment
After an extensive three-year evaluation process, encompassing multiple options and public consultations, the decision has been made to construct the replacement John A. Blatnik Bridge along the existing alignment. The new design will also incorporate a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, along with a modernized interchange on the Superior side.
The selection of the current alignment followed a rigorous assessment of various alternatives against defined project objectives, needs, and evaluation criteria. This detailed process, initiated in 2020, involved multiple stages documented in technical reports, ensuring transparency and opportunities for public and stakeholder input at critical junctures. Comprehensive details are available in Appendix F of the Environmental Assessment document on the project website.
Key factors supporting the choice of the existing alignment include:
- Minimized Construction Time: The current alignment offers the shortest overall construction timeline.
- Reduced Construction Risks: Maintaining the existing alignment mitigates potential construction hazards for motorists.
- Limited Environmental and Property Impact: This option minimizes disruptions to properties and sensitive wetland areas.
- Cost Efficiency: Replacing the John A. Blatnik Bridge on the existing alignment is the most economical approach.
The Enduring Legacy and Future of the Blatnik Bridge
WisDOT has produced an informative video that chronicles the history of the John A. Blatnik Bridge and outlines its promising future as a vital transportation link.
Federal INFRA Grant: A Catalyst for Progress
The announcement on Monday, January 22nd, confirming the award of a federal INFRA grant exceeding $1 billion to MnDOT and WisDOT, marked a significant milestone for the John A. Blatnik Bridge replacement. Following this, the Department of Transportation released a video highlighting the bridge project and emphasizing how President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is instrumental in generating employment opportunities, improving quality of life, and strengthening communities through infrastructure investments like the John A. Blatnik Bridge replacement.
