New Road Closures This Week Near Blatnik Bridge In Duluth

There continue to be notable signs of progress at the Twin Ports Interchange Project in Duluth.

The $435 million project requires crews to work year-round as they reconstruct the I-35/I-535/Hwy 53 interchange.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reopened the I-35 and I-535 connections, which was one of the most notable signs of progress to date.

MnDOT proudly shared a video to show everyone what the drive now looks like from all directions.

This week, it was announced there would be closures in the area so that more work could be done.

MnDOT Announces Night Road Closures Near The Blatnik Bridge

MnDOT announced this week that they would need to do a series of road closures near the Blatnik Bridge to allow crews to safely work in the area.

Thankfully, these closures will be done at times that have minimum impact on Northland motorists.

First, to allow crews to install overhead signs as part of the Twin Ports Interchange Project, the following closures are scheduled:

Southbound traffic on the I-535 Blatnik Bridge will encounter temporary closures from 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, to 5 a.m. on Thursday, November 7. Please note: Traffic may be stopped for up to 15 minutes at a time. Motorists are advised to use the Bong Bridge during this time.
The ramp from southbound I-35 to southbound I-535 (Blatnik Bridge) will also close from 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, to 5 a.m. on Thursday, November 7.
During the same time, I-35 southbound will be reduced to one lane from Mesaba Avenue to 27th Avenue West.

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Lastly, MnDOT says it will close northbound access to the I-535 Blatnik Bridge into Duluth on Thursday, November 7, from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., as crews work to remove existing temporary roadway lighting. A signed detour will follow the Highway 2 Bong Bridge.