U.S. Releases $1.05 Billion to Replace Blatnik Bridge

The U.S. Department of Transportation released over $1.05 billion in federal funding on March 17, 2026, to replace the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge. The funding, authorized under the January 2024 Infrastructure and Jobs Act, had been part of a backlog of 3,200 grants from the previous administration. The release followed a period of uncertainty where the Trump administration had withheld the funds, leading local business leaders to warn that the $1.8 billion project could face cost increases or failure if the agreement was not honored.

To complement the federal grant, the governments of Minnesota and Wisconsin each committed $400 million. This project represents the largest public works effort in Minnesota's history. The bridge, which serves more than 30,000 motorists daily and is currently rated in poor condition, is expected to reach the end of its operational life by 2030.

A contractor will be selected in the summer of 2026, with phased construction beginning in the fall. The bridge is scheduled to close for four to five years starting in early 2027. Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and other officials coordinated the timeline with the reconstruction of West Superior Street to minimize disruptions to the Lincoln Park Business District. Superior Mayor Jim Paine stated the city will adapt month-by-month during the closure to meet citizen needs. While businesses near the bridge anticipate a loss of traffic, those near the Bong Bridge expect an influx of redirected vehicles.