I-535 Blatnik Bridge

Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis.

Documents

Finding of No Significant Impact

The FHWA has determined the proposed improvements, as described in the Environmental Assessment (EA) will have no significant impacts to the human or natural environment. This Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is based upon the September 2023 EA/EAW, which has been independently evaluated by FHWA and determined to adequately discuss the need, environmental issues, and impacts of the proposed project and appropriate mitigation measures. The EA/EAW provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. Materials that support this decision are provided below.

Appendix E contains the Findings of Fact and Conclusions (FOFC). Through the FOFC, MnDOT has determined that the project will not result in significant environmental impacts, and that the project does not require the preparation of an environmental impact statement per Minnesota Rules. Attachment D of this document provides responses to Agency and Public comments received during the EA/EAW comment period.

Environment Assessment documents

MnDOT published the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board for public comment from Sept. 19-Oct. 19, 2023. Comments made during this period have been added to the project administrative record and will be considered by the project team for a determination as to the adequacy of the environmental documentation. A summary of all comments received and how they have been considered will be prepared in a Findings of Facts and Conclusion Document, which will be distributed in early 2024. A public hearing was also held on Oct. 3, and a presentation on the materials can be viewed below

Watch a presentation on the materials.

Ped/bike tech memo

The project Draft Purpose and Need statement identified the lack of a bicycle and pedestrian facility on the bridge as a secondary need that could be addressed through the project. This June 2022 report documents the business case for studying multimodal facility options during the Blatnik Bridge National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. This document outlines the benefits of a multimodal path on the Blatnik Bridge.

Evaluation of feasible alternative

The June 2022 Evaluation of Feasible Alternative tech memo talks about evaluation methodology, development of alternatives, minimizing economic impacts and more. A summary of the public feedback received and how comments were considered during this round of engagement (October 2021-July 2022) can be found here.

Alignment screening and feedback

The June 2021 Alignment Screening tech memo is a 41-page document that talks about the screening process for conceptual designs of the bridge, evaluation criteria, stages of the process and much more. A summary of the public feedback received and how comments were considered during this round of engagement (April-May 2021) can be found here.

Purpose and need statement

The purpose and need statement is part of environmental documentation, focuses on the problems and not the solutions for the project, and is used as a guide to evaluate and select alternatives. You can also view a one-page summary of the purpose and need statement. The evaluation criteria for the purpose and need statement can also be viewed. Read a summary for how comments were addressed on the purpose and need and evaluation criteria documents. (January-February 2021)