Tuesday marked a historic day for MnDOT’s Twin Ports Interchange project as the I-35 ramps to and from the Blatnik Bridge officially reopened to traffic.
“We know construction is still going on and will continue for the next few months, but it’s always great to have the opportunity to celebrate better accessibility for our businesses in Duluth and Superior,” said Daniel Fanning of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce.
(See: History and future of the Blatnik Bridge)
Whether on the way to work or to local shops, the last few years have been tough for many drivers traveling between Duluth and Superior over the Blatnik Bridge. But not on Tuesday.
Cars and semi-trailers no longer have to use the single-lane Garfield Avenue or the single-lane Railroad Street.
More than 30,000 vehicles cross the Blatnik Bridge every day. It is an important freight and trade link between Duluth and Superior.
“I remember we were helping to apply for funds, federal funds for the Blatnik Bridge reconstruction project, and just putting together some of these numbers for letters of support. We told our federal officials to look at the traffic numbers and see that the trade between these bridges is astronomical and good for both sides of the bridge – Wisconsin and Minnesota. So if even some of these parts are reopened, that just encourages that trade,” Fanning said.
For MnDOT, project progress has always been visible, but for construction crews, it’s even more rewarding that drivers can actually see the improvements.
“When we opened the section of I-35 a year or two ago, everyone was so excited that there were four lanes there. Now that those connections are open, I think the public is going to be so happy that all of those connections are possible again,” said Pippi Mayfield, director of communications for MnDOT in the Duluth region.
There is still a lot of work ahead of us. Next fall, MnDOT will complete the section of Highway 53/Piedmont Avenue to 21st Avenue West in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
In fall 2025, Highway 53/Piedmont will be connected to I-535 and the Blatnik Bridge.
And in spring 2026, major construction work will begin on the $1.8 billion replacement of the Blatnik Bridge.
