What Will The Blatnik Bridge Replacement Look Like? New Features

After lots of discussion, we now know a lot more about what the Blatnik Bridge replacement spanning between Duluth and Superior will look like and mean for Twin Ports area residents and those passing through.

During a public meeting last night (August 12), officials from both the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation provided renderings, an updated timeline, and other updates for the upcoming project.

What is the timeline for the Blatnik Bridge project?

The current Blatnik Bridge will close sometime in February or March of this winter (2027), with demolition beginning in March of 2027; the main span of the current bridge will be removed in the fall of 2027 and over the winter, with the new span being installed by fall and winter of 2030 and into 2031.

The new bridge is expected to open to traffic by October 31, 2031, with other miscellaneous work to be completed by June 30, 2032.

Will the new bridge have a new name?

In short, the answer is "maybe", but it could also keep the same name.

The original Blatnik Bridge was first known as the "High Bridge", but was named in honor of Congressman John A. Blanik, who was involved in making the bridge happen through Congress.

If there is to be a new name for this new bridge, it would come via an Act of Congress, but we probably won't know if or when that will happen for a while.

What new features will the Blatnik Bridge replacement have?

From a design perspective, it will look similar to the current bridge, but the main arch will be higher than the original Blatnik Bridge. Aesthetic lighting on the bridge will also accent the look of the bridge at night differently than the current bridge.

There will also be a dedicated pedestrian lane for people to walk or bike across the bridge. Included with this will be some overlooks along the bridge for people walking or biking to stop and check out the view or take a break while traveling across the bridge.

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Getting onto the bridge on the Superior side will also be quite different, with the main traffic path on and off the bridge going right onto US Highway 53, which eliminates the need to use an off-ramp or follow Hammond Avenue or a city street to connect with US 53

The access on the Duluth side will be similar to the way it currently is configured.

Here's a look at the renderings of the Blatnik Bridge replacement and highlights of some of the new things to expect with this replacement.

What Will The New Blatnik Bridge Replacement Look Like?

The long-standing Blatnik Bridge between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, will be replaced, with work set to begin in February or March of 2027.

The new bridge is expected to open by October 31, 2031, with the completion of the entire project (including miscellaneous work like landscaping) completed by June 30, 2032.

Here's a look at what the new bridge will look like and some of the new features it will offer.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper

Source: Here’s What The Blatnik Bridge Replacement Will Look Like And What New Features It Will Have