Blatnik Bridge Replacement Construction Set For 2027

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Transportation officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin say the nearly $2 billion-dollar Blatnik Bridge replacement project remains on track, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Wisconsin D.O.T held a public informational meeting on the project today in Superior.

State and federal funding remains secured, with roughly $1 billion from the federal government, and $400 million from each side of the bridge.

Construction is expected to last until 2031 to replace the bridge and create new entrance and exit points at the base of the bridge in Superior.

Project managers told FOX 21 the replacement is urgent, because the bridge itself is beyond repair.

“It’s such a large structure it’s not financially economic for us to continue to repair it. And so, if we don’t do anything, approximately in the year 2030 we’re anticipating full closure. And so, it is important for us to get out here, and on top of that so we are building it before we anticipate the closure. If that bridge where to go permanently closed, the impact is not just four years. It’s going to be decades,” said Beth Cunningham, a project manager for WISDOT.

With the upcoming construction and eventual closure of the bridge to make way for a new one, businesses are likely to be affected.

“For any small business, businesses small or large, you can definitely reach out to the business district, reach out to the chamber, try to get as much information as possible so you can plan ahead. Obviously, we can’t stop the project, the project is going to happen. So, the more they know the better,” said Cunningham.

The current Blatnik Bridge began construction in 1958 and opened with a celebration of the community on the bridge in 1961.

The replacement bridge will have a service life of 100 years, and it will include a 12-foot multi-use path for people and bikes.