I-535 Blatnik Bridge

About this project

MnDOT and WisDOT are working toward a future project to address concerns about the John A. Blatnik Bridge, one of two bridges that connects Duluth, Minn., to Superior, Wis. Carrying I-535 over the St. Louis Bay, the Blatnik is an important freight and commercial connection between the Twin Ports.

Jointly owned and managed by MnDOT and WisDOT, it is Minnesota's second longest bridge and serves an average of 33,021 cars traveling between the two cities each day. MnDOT will lead the project, which will address aging infrastructure, improve safety and better accommodate oversize/overweight loads.

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

• Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project EA-EAW_20230912
• Appendix A. Build Alternative Layouts
• Appendix B. Agency Correspondence
• Appendix C. Draft Section 106 Programmatic Agreement
• Appendix D. De Minimus Notice
• Appendix E. Purpose and Need Statement Technical Memo
• Appendix F. Alternatives Development Report
• Appendix G. Wetland 2-Part Finding
• Appendix H. Visual Impact Assessment
• Appendix I. Interstate Access Modification Request NEPA Policy Points
• Appendix J. Environmental Justice Standard Attachment
• Appendix K. Right-of-Way Impact Maps and Relocation Plan

A presentation on the materials can be viewed below.