Heavier loads over 40 tons are no longer allowed on the Blatnik Bridge between Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin and must now use the nearby Bong Bridge. District Engineer Duane Hill says MN-DOT and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation made the decision after an in-depth inspection as they prepare to replace the span — but Hill emphasizes they consider the bridge safe. “If we had any concerns at all, there’d be no hesitation into making further restrictions, but we think this is the prudent thing to do at this time,” he says.
Hill says officials in both states jointly made the decision. Hill says construction of a new bridge could begin as soon as 2028 if the Wisconsin Legislature approves funding.