Testing will cause closures and noise on Blatnik Bridge
The Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project is estimated to be completed in 2032 (WDIO).
Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) have announced that geotechnical load pile testing starting Wednesday, August 21 will lead to lane closures and noise on the Blatnik Bridge. The single-lane closures will be on the Wisconsin side near the ramps from US 53/I-535 to North 3rd Street and from North 3rd Street to I-535/US 53.
“This is one of six locations in Superior and Duluth where such work is taking place in 2024 in preparation for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project, scheduled to begin in 2026,” explained Christena O’Brien with WisDOT. “The work will result in daytime noise as a crane is being used with a pile driving hammer.”
The testing is expected to last for two weeks. Results from the testing will be used by engineers yo design “more efficient and cost-effective foundation systems” for the replacement.
More information on the project can be found here.