Blatnik Bridge : Specialized Bridge Construction Oversight

2026-11-03

MnDOT requests proposals for specialized bridge construction engineering and inspection oversight for the main navigation span of the new Blatnik Bridge . The Specialized Bridge Construction Oversight Consultant ( Contractor ) will serve as an extension of MnDOT staff by performing specialized bridge construction engineering services and inspection verification / oversight . The State Staff and Contractor are collectively known as the Specialized Bridge Construction Oversight Team ( SBCOT ) for State Project ( SP ) 6981 - 26 on I - 535 for Blatnik Bridge Replacement Design - Build Project ( Project ). Contractor will : 1 . Provide reviews of the Design - Build Construction Contractor ’ s ( DBC ) plans and specifications 2 . Provide on - site verification of several activities for the main navigation channel bridge unit 3 . Have a thorough understanding of the Design - Build ( DB ) Conformed Contract for the Project 4 . Have a thorough understanding of State ’ s ( both Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Minnesota Department of Transportation ) standards , specifications , requirements and applicable state statutes . 5 . Attend conferences or meetings necessary for close coordination during day - to - day progress of the work or as required to carry out the Project . 6 . Notify State ’ s Project Manager immediately of any unanticipated project conditions . 7 . Consult with State ’ s Project Manager when an interpretation involves complex issues or may have an impact on the cost of performing the work . When warranted , State ’ s Project Manager may request an interpretation from the Contractor . The project is primarily located in St . Louis County , Minnesota and Douglas County , Wisconsin between the cities of Duluth , Minnesota and Superior , Wisconsin . The project limits extend 0 . 3 miles from the existing bridge structure on the Minnesota approach to 0 . 75 miles from the existing bridge structure on the Wisconsin approach , along US 53 . The project includes replacement of the existing John . A . Blatnik I - 535 Bridge ( Minnesota Bridge number 9030 , Wisconsin Structure B - 16 - 5 ) on Interstate 535 ( I - 535 ) connecting Duluth , Minnesota and Superior Wisconsin across the St . Louis River and Bay . The project also includes reconstructing an interchange in Superior , WI that routes I - 535 directly to US 53 , with local connections to Hammond Avenue and WIS 35 . The project includes design and construction of a new mainline bridge ( Minnesota Bridge number 69913 , Wisconsin Structure B - 16 - 0153 ) and new exit ramp bridge ( WI Structure B - 16 - 0154 ) and entrance ramp bridge ( WI Structure B - 16 - 0155 ). The new mainline bridge includes several bridge units : 1 . The Bridge Unit ( s ) for I 535 mainline portions from the abutment in Minnesota to the Main Navigation Channel Bridge Unit ; 2 . Bridge Unit of the Main Navigation Channel over St . Louis River , 3 . The Bridge Unit ( s ) along Conner ’ s Point between the Main Navigation Channel and Howard ’ s Pocket Navigation Bridge Units ; 4 . The Howard ’ s Pocket Navigation Channel Bridge Unit ; 5 . The Bridge Unit ( s ) from the Howard ’ s Pocket Navigation Channel Bridge Unit to the mainline abutment in Wisconsin . The project includes a new shared use path on the easterly side of the new mainline bridge and Wisconsin entrance ramp bridge with trail connections in Duluth and Superior , drainage improvements , retaining walls , and improvements within the City of Superior . The existing bridge will be closed for most of the construction and traffic will be detoured to the Richard I . Bong Memorial Bridge ( US - 2 over the St . Louis River ).

Minnesota

2026-05-13