Plan Ahead – I-35 On Ramp + Blatnik Bridge Access Closures This Week In Duluth

It's been quite the year with traffic in downtown Duluth, especially when it comes to the work being done with the Twin Ports Interchange project. Motorists have had to navigate lane closures, detours, heavy traffic, and headaches. There's a new closure coming this week that you should be aware of.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation Northeast Division has announced another ramp closure. This will take place on December 7, 2023. To avoid the heaviest traffic times, the closure is scheduled for between 10 am and 3 pm.

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During that time, the on-ramp from Mesaba Avenue to southbound I-35 will be closed. The reason for the closure is to remove a portable precast barrier that has been used during construction work.

Also taking place on December 6 is a closure of southbound Garfield Avenue to the Blatnik Bridge. Many motorists traveling from Duluth to Superior have relied on access to the Blatnik Bridge via Garfield Avenue. Crews need to remove deck work from the overpassing bridge. This section of Garfield Avenue will be closed from 6 am to 6 pm.

In the meantime, motorists should plan to travel to Superior by using the Bong Bridge.

When will it all end? There really isn't any end in sight for the project. The Twin Ports Interchange project was halted due to indigenous remains being found, and there are still no updates about that. After the interchange is completed, MnDot and WisDot will begin working on replacing the aging Blatnik Bridge. A piece of advice - get comfortable using the Bong Bridge.