U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the release of more than $1 billion in federal funding to replace the aging Blatnik Bridge connecting Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin.

John A. Blatnik Bridge

The funding, totaling more than $1.05 billion, supports the $1.8 billion project to rebuild the 65-year-old span carrying Interstate 535 over the St. Louis Bay, a tributary of Lake Superior. The bridge, built in 1961, handles about 33,000 vehicles daily and facilitates roughly $4 billion in annual goods movement. Officials say it faces closure in 2030 due to deterioration.

Duffy, a Wisconsin native, said in a statement: “As a son of Wisconsin, I know just how vital this bridge is to the future of Superior and Duluth. After months of hard work, our team is ready to get this money out the door and shovels in the dirt.”

The grant originated from the 2021 bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and was awarded in 2024, but the release was delayed amid a backlog of prior grants. Minnesota and Wisconsin each pledged $400 million toward the total cost.

Construction phases are set to begin in late 2026, with construction wrapping up in 2032. The project is expected to employ around 1,100 workers.