ST. PAUL, MN] – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers today celebrated the announcement that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $1.058 Billion in federal funding to replace the aging John A. Blatnik Bridge between Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis. The Governors have long advocated for federal funding for the project .

“This is big news for Minnesota. This investment will make it possible for Minnesota and Wisconsin to rebuild a critical connection between our states that will foster regional economic growth, strengthen our national supply chains, and improve the safety and reliability of our transportation network,” said Governor Walz. “This is a project that will serve hundreds of communities between our states. I am grateful for the partnership of Governor Evers, our Congressional leaders, and President Biden in making this project happen.”

“I have been glad to work closely with Senator Baldwin and other state and federal partners to secure the necessary investments to replace the Blatnik Bridge here at the end of its service life, and I’m proud to be able to say today that our hard work has paid off,” said Gov. Evers. “We’re excited to celebrate this award today and what it means for our state, our workforce and economy, and the quality of life in Northern Wisconsin. I want to thank Sen. Baldwin and Gov. Walz for their partnership in championing this project to get this done for our states, and I look forward to our continued work together toward ensuring our infrastructure is built to meet the needs of a 21st-century workforce and economy.”

The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s INFRA program which is intended to support highway and freight projects of national or regional significance that will improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas.

“This is a transformational opportunity for Wisconsin and Minnesota to bring a critical piece of our infrastructure into the 21 ^st century,” Gov. Evers said. “ A new Blatnik Bridge means safer vehicle travel and better support for the billions of dollars in freight moving across the bridge each year. I want to thank our federal partners, including Sen. Tammy Baldwin, for their unwavering support for this project. I’m proud to partner with Gov. Walz and his administration to bring this project across the finish line.”

The total cost for rebuilding the Blatnik Bridge is estimated to be $1.8 billion. Each state committed $400 million toward the project in 2023.

“Replacing this bridge is a top priority. MnDOT is grateful to our federal partners for the funds needed to get this project done. We look forward to working with WisDOT to build the modern and reliable Blatnik Bridge that the Twin Ports deserve,” said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.

“Our commitment to improving safety and the long-term sustainability of our bridges is unwavering,” said WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson. “This was a team effort – from local communities and elected officials in both states – and we will act with urgency to deliver this important project.”

For more than 60 years, the Blatnik Bridge has served as a vital link between Duluth and Superior via Interstate 535 and US 53. Jointly owned and managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Blatnik Bridge is an important freight and commercial connection between the Duluth-Superior Twin Ports and serves more than 33,000 vehicles per day. 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. The replacement project will improve safety and accommodate oversize and overweight loads.

Design work for the project, which will determine specifications and shape the final project, is anticipated to begin in 2024. Once a final design is selected, construction could begin as early as 2025.