Critical Blatnik Bridge replacement project breaks ground after USDOT finally released over $1 billion in promised funding 

DULUTH — Gov. Tony Evers, together with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as well as state, local, and federal partners, today celebrated the official groundbreaking of the critical reconstruction project of the aging John A. Blatnik Bridge between Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota. More than 100 project team members, stakeholders, and elected officials gathered near the bridge to recognize the partnerships and collaboration necessary to fund and construct a new bridge that will serve Minnesota and Wisconsin for decades to come. 

The highly anticipated project groundbreaking comes after months of unnecessary delays by the Trump Administration. Following a letter from Gov. Evers and similar outreach sent by U.S. Sen. Baldwin (D-WI), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to release the withheld funds, the USDOT finally released the over $1 billion in federal funding that had been promised to allow the project to move forward. The federal support for this project is funded by the Baldwin-backed Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which was also supported by U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04). Notably, every Republican member of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation voted against the BIL. 

“Sen. Baldwin and I have been proud to champion the Blatnik Bridge replacement project for years with our partners across the river in Minnesota, and I’m excited to help celebrate the groundbreaking of this exciting and essential project that will serve our two states and our region for generations of future residents. This is a big deal, folks,” said Gov. Evers. “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. We’re proud of all of the years of effort and advocacy that went into getting to this point, and we’re glad this day has finally arrived.”

“This is what happens when leaders roll up their sleeves, work together, and deliver for the people we represent,” said U.S. Sen. Baldwin. “Since the day we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’ve worked tirelessly with Gov. Evers and our friends on the other side of the Mississippi to get this funding, get shovels in the ground, and replace this aging bridge. A new Blatnik Bridge will not only put Wisconsinites to work, but in the long run, it means safer travel for families, Wisconsin products can get to market and on shelves on time, and we have the infrastructure we need for tomorrow’s economy.”

Open to traffic in 1961, more than 33,000 vehicles cross the John A. Blatnik Bridge each day, and each year, more than 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods pass over the bridge. Many businesses across the upper Midwest rely on the bridge to reach the Port of Duluth-Superior, the largest U.S. port on the Great Lakes. The bridge is also one of the largest marine links for U.S. trade with Canada, the top trade partner of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the United States. Unfortunately, the Blatnik Bridge has reached the end of its service life.

“Today is a day for celebration as the largest bridge reconstruction project in Wisconsin’s history begins. WisDOT is grateful for the remarkable coordination and advocacy from our local, state, and federal partners. An infrastructure project of this size and significance requires broad support and collaboration, and I am so proud of the efforts that have gone into getting us here today,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “And as we begin the important work in building this interstate bridge—I want to again thank the public for their support and patience as we deliver a modern, safe and efficient structure that will serve this growing region for the next 100 years.”

In response, Wisconsin and Minnesota each committed $400 million in program funding to replace this aging bridge, and after years of advocacy, in January 2024, Gov. Evers and Sen. Baldwin celebrated a more than $1 billion federal grant jointly awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) by the Biden Administration under the USDOT’s Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects Program. 

Additionally, last year, Gov. Evers secured HUBZone designation of Census Tract 310.01 in Douglas County to help provide local businesses with additional resources to remain competitive during the replacement of the bridge and offset anticipated economic losses, as well as assist businesses in the future after the completion of the new bridge and the new opportunities that may come with the upgraded infrastructure. 

In June 2026, WisDOT and MnDOT opened bids for the project, and after receiving two contractor bids, Ames-Kraemer Joint Venture II was awarded the contract. The design-build process will be used for the project, which allows for efficient coordination between the design team and the construction team, lower costs, and a more innovative design and construction. 

The final design of the bridge will wrap up between late 2026 and early 2027, with phased construction beginning in 2026. Complete bridge closure for up to 56 months will take place in early 2027. The project is scheduled for completion in 2032, with the bridge expected to be open to traffic in 2031. Construction is expected to employ 1,100 workers annually.

More information on the Blatnik project can be found on the project website. 

An online version of this release is available here.