I-535 Blatnik Bridge

Notice of early Blatnik work for Industry

On behalf of the MnDOT/WisDOT Blatnik project team, MnDOT will be posting an RFP for technical work needed to gain pre-letting information for the future Blatnik reconstruction project. This work includes a pile load test program and site investigations at proposed new pier locations. It is anticipated this work will be posted on the MnDOT Professional Technical Consultant Services website in April. The purpose of this notice is to notify the industry of the upcoming RFP for work planning purposes. It is anticipated another update with the actual link to the RFP when it is posted in April.

MnDOT Chief Council has reviewed the work in this contract and believes it is consistent with “low level” work as defined by sub note ix of the Design-Build Conflict of Interest policy.

The work is consistent with “drilling and testing associated with geotechnical or environmental investigations where the firm is merely providing the results of the investigation”. The results of the load test and grading work (including cultural or other environmental/contamination discoveries) will be made available to the industry shortly after completion.

Therefore, any contractor or consultant working on this effort will not be conflicted from bidding on the large Blatnik Design-Build project.

Design-Build notice

MnDOT will use a design-build delivery method to design and construct the Blatnik Bridge replacement project. The design-build project will encompass the approach work in both states and the main bridge replacement.

The project will replace the structure to current standards, add bike and pedestrian facilities and improve traffic operations. In addition, there will likely be one or more early, traditional design-bid-build contracts in preparation for the primary design-build contract. MnDOT and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will share the cost of this project and jointly secured federal funding grants to match state funds allocated to the project.

Read information on the design-build delivery method announcement.

For additional design-build information, visit MnDOT's Design-Build website.

Project status update

The executive summary document is intended to keep interested consultant, contractor and supplier industry partners informed of project status – knowns and unknowns. Currently, the project team is not accepting requests to meet with consultants, contractors or suppliers to discuss the project except as noted under “Planned Outreach” in the executive summary document. There are currently too many unknowns, and we want to be respectful of everyone’s time. Until we know more, this document is the latest update.

December 1, 2022: Request for prime contractor input

MnDOT requests one-on-one meetings with potential prime construction contractors to receive input on a variety of topics. The meetings are expected to last approximately 2 hours. For more information and to request a meeting, reference this document.

Blatnik Bridge replacement project update

MnDOT presented an update on the Blatnik Bridge project during the May 2023 Minnesota Transportation Conference.