An update on the two year Bong Bridge project that starts on Monday, March 31;  The east-bound/Duluth-bound detour that was scheduled at the beginning has been delayed until May.

The project itself will still commence on March 31 - but drivers will still be able to get to Duluth on the Bong Bridge, albeit with reduced and single-lanes.

"After working cooperatively with the contractor and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, we will implement the originally planned detour of westbound US 2 over the Blatnik Bridge on May 5," said Project Manager Matt Dickenson. "We will still be able to accomplish the work that is scheduled to be completed this year, but reducing the time the westbound lanes are closed will make it more convenient for all motorists."

The two year, $18.2 million dollar project to rebuild the Bong Bridge starts Monday, March 31.  The first phase of the project will close the bridge to Duluth-bound traffic for 7 months.

Details of the work include:

Bong Bridge work

  • Overlay existing bridge deck and make necessary repairs to the sidewalk
  • Replace and repair arch components and repaint
  • Replace existing expansion joints and repaint girder ends
  • Replace street lights and ship navigation lights

Wisconsin approach

  • Construct a modern roundabout at Belknap St./ US 2 intersection
  • Add local access connection to US 2 for North Garfield Ave. (City Industrial Park)
  • Bridge deck overlay of the Susquehanna overhead bridge
  • Replace roadway lighting
  • Replace existing concrete pavement

The first phase of the project will wrap up on November 1, 2014 - opening to traffic for the winter season.  Work will resume on the other side - the east-bound, Superior-bound side - in the Spring of 2015.

 

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