September 1, 2026

By Lane Kimble

DULUTH, Minn. — Major construction to replace the Blatnik Bridge between Superior and Duluth doesn’t begin until next year, but the ceremonial first shovels of dirt turned this week.

Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman joined Sen. Tammy Baldwin and leaders from Minnesota for a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning.

“Replacing Blatnik Bridge is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that will not only create thousands of jobs but will support the 21st-century needs of our people, our workforces, and our economies,” Gov. Evers said in a statement.

Replacing the critical 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge will happen thanks to $1 billion from the USDOT in addition to $400 million commitments from both Wisconsin and Minnesota.

A joint-venture between Ames and Kraemer North America won the Design-Build contract in June thanks to a bid that came in well below the anticipated $1.8 billion cost.  They beat out WTBA member Lunda Construction despite Lunda’s higher design score.

WisDOT leaders told the WTBA Board of Directors it’s possible the cost savings will result in increased borrowing power in future state budgets but that is left to be seen.

MnDOT released renderings and project information late last month.

More than 33,000 cars and trucks use the Blatnik Bridge daily to get between Wisconsin and Minnesota near the largest port on the Great Lakes.  Nearly $4 billion of freight crosses the bridge annually.

Final designs will wrap up this winter with construction beginning in 2027.  Crews will completely close and demolish the existing Blatnik, building the replacement along the same alignment with added safety features and improved traffic flow.

Major construction work is scheduled for completion in 2031.