Help MnDOT re-design the pedestrian bridge over I-35 and Mesaba Avenue

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is revamping four pedestrian bridges in Minnesota, and Duluth’s foot bridge over I-35 and Mesaba Avenue was chosen as one of these. The others are to be located in the Twin Cities and one in Western Minnesota.

The I-35 bridge renovation, starting in 2024, will cost around $2-million and funding for all four projects is coming from the federal government, says MnDOT spokesperson Pippi Mayfield.

Tonight MnDOT held an open house and presentation to hear the public’s first thoughts.

Being from the Twin Cities, Shultz says “I don’t live here, you all live here and see and travel this bridge every day. So it’s up to you all to help design this.”

Some concerns that community members had at the meeting included signage for tourists, lighting and also the alignment of the bridge. Shultz mentioned that they don’t want it to be formal, they’re main goal is to turn design into conversation.

The project is expected to take around three months to complete and there will be some occasional road closures along with it. The I-35 and Mesaba Avenue pedestrian bridge was built in 1968 and Schultz says the bridge isn’t even considered a base bridge. That’s why the funding made it’s way to Duluth.

If you would like to reach out and give your idea to the development team, reach out to Pippi Mayfield, pippi.mayfield@state.mn.us or her phone number is 218-725-2834. There are other contacts listed on the Minnesota Department of Transportation page.