SUPERIOR, Wis. — Transportation officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin have again narrowed their recommendations for the alignment and interchange of a new Blatnik Bridge — a yearslong construction project that could begin as early as 2026.
The 1.5-mile bridge that connects Duluth and Superior, straddling the St. Louis Bay, could be built along the same route, or with a slight westward alignment shift at the heart of the bridge. Under both scenarios, officials are recommending an interchange that connects Hwy. 35 with Hammond Avenue and N. 3rd Street at a three-legged intersection — although whether it calls for a couple of roundabouts or traffic lights is still to be determined.
Options also include a multi-use path along the road for pedestrians, bicyclists and bridge service vehicles.
Officials from the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation, which are sharing the cost and planning for the project, offered up the plans and process and solicited comments during a public meeting on Tuesday evening at the Superior Public Library. Maps and Blatnik Bridge facts were displayed.
"They all look a lot alike, but there are subtle differences," said Vincent Gastoni, vice president of roads and structures for Parsons Corp., who has served as a consultant on the project.
Both governmental entities have offered regular updates on the project that started in August 2020 and is getting closer to a final plan — with the help of the public.
"We're asking you to check our blind spots," said Pat Huston, MnDOT's major projects engineer. "See if we missed anything obvious, if you have concerns, and share this with your neighbors as well."
During a public meeting this past summer, transportation officials were still considering six options for the bridge's alignment and a handful of configurations for the interchange.
