Duluth, MN — Construction began Monday on a new bridge that will replace the John A. Blatnik Bridge, the I‑535 link between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. The groundbreaking marked the start of a project slated to run through 2032, backed by more than $1 billion in federal money awarded in early 2024 and additional funding from both state departments of transportation.

The Blatnik Bridge has carried freight for six decades. Since its 1961 opening, the span has been the main commercial artery across St. Louis Bay, with over 265,000 trucks hauling nearly $4 billion of goods each year. An average of 33,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, making it a critical link for the Twin Ports’ economy. The bridge is jointly owned and operated by the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation, and the decision to replace rather than rehabilitate the aging structure came after a comprehensive assessment of safety and capacity.

Construction will begin with demolition of the existing deck and approach roads, followed by the erection of a new, modern span designed to accommodate current and future freight volumes. The project will feature updated safety standards, expanded lanes, and improved structural resilience to support heavier loads. Minnesota is leading the effort, coordinating with Wisconsin to streamline permitting and traffic management. The federal grant covers major construction costs, while the states will contribute through transportation budgets and local bonds.

What This Means for Drivers

Owner‑operators and fleet managers should anticipate route adjustments during the early phases of construction. Detours will likely reroute traffic onto I‑94 and local roads, adding up to 10–15 minutes to daily trips between the Twin Ports. CDL‑A drivers hauling high‑value or time‑sensitive cargo may need to plan for potential delays, especially during peak winter months when weather can compound traffic congestion.

FMCSA regulations require carriers to monitor DOT notices for any changes in lane closures or weight restrictions. Drivers should keep an eye on the Minnesota DOT website and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s construction updates for real‑time information. The project’s long timeline means that some segments may remain partially closed for extended periods, so proactive scheduling can help avoid missed deliveries.

Despite the inconvenience, the new bridge will eventually reduce travel time and improve safety, offering a more reliable route for OTR truck drivers and regional carriers alike. The upgraded structure will also support higher axle loads, potentially allowing carriers to increase payloads and reduce the number of trips needed for large shipments.

Industry Reaction

Carriers across the region have expressed mixed feelings. Some truckers appreciate the long‑term benefits of a modern bridge, while others worry about the short‑term disruptions. The American Trucking Association’s regional office in the Midwest noted that “while construction can create temporary headaches, the new bridge will ultimately lower operating costs by reducing wear and tear on vehicles and improving fuel efficiency.”

Local trucking firms have already begun adjusting their dispatch schedules to accommodate the anticipated detours. A spokesperson for a regional owner‑operator group said, “We’re monitoring the situation closely and will adjust routes as needed to keep our customers on time.” The industry also sees the project as a sign of continued investment in infrastructure that supports truck driver jobs and the broader supply chain.

Key Points

• Construction of a new I‑535 bridge between Duluth and Superior began Monday, 2026.
• The project is funded by $1 billion in federal money plus state contributions, with a timeline to 2032.
• Over 265,000 trucks cross the current bridge each year, carrying nearly $4 billion in goods.
• Detours during construction will add 10–15 minutes to routes; carriers should monitor DOT updates.

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