SUPERIOR, Wis. (WRN) — A contractor is chosen to replace a vital bridge linking Duluth and Superior.
The Minnesota and Wisconsin transportation departments last week announced a joint $930 million bid by Ames Construction and Kraemer North America was the apparent best-value to replace the Blatnik Bridge.
Built in 1961, the Blatnick carries an average of 33,000 vehicles a day on I-535 and US Highway 53 across the St. Louis River. The states and Ames-Kraemer Joint Venture II now have up to 60 days before the contract is awarded. The project is estimated to be completed in six years with full closure of the bridge expected to begin early next year.
A $1.06 billion federal grant is helping pay for the project. Wisconsin and Minnesota both have also earmarked $400 million.