Wisconsin and Minnesota governors seek federal funds for interstate bridge

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Gov. Tony Evers and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday that their state’s departments of transportation will seek federal money to rebuild a major bridge project between Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The governors’ transportation departments will seek $889.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to rebuild the John A. Blatnik Bridge, which connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Evers’ office said in a statement.

The Blatnik Bridge carries Interstate-535 and US 53, connecting the two cities over a tributary of Lake Superior. The Twin Ports use the route as a freight and commercial connection, and more than 33,000 cars cross the bridge every day.

“From students to workers to commerce, the Blatnik Bridge is an absolutely critical piece of our economy and a vital route for workers, business owners, students and visitors to get from point A to point B every day,” Gov. Evers said in a statement. The Bipartisan Infrastructure law was an opportunity to renovate this criticial infrastructure and strengthen the port cities, he added.

“I’m proud to partner with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to ensure the Blatnik Bridge gets the funding it needs to be completed safely and efficiently,” Walz said. “This is an important infrastructure project for Northern Minnesota, our neighbors in Wisconsin and our interconnected economies.”

The bridge is jointly owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and is load posted for 40 tons, state officials said. The replacement project will allow the bridge to accommodate oversize and overweight loads and improve safety.