MNDOT Revises Schedule For Blatnik Bridge Closures; New Start Date Is August 22

As we reported yesterday, the Blatnik Bridge is scheduled for about 8 weeks of repairs - which will result in total lane closures on both the north and south-bound lanes.  The original date for the beginning of this project was to be Monday, August 15.  A new revised timeline from the Minnesota Department of Transportation has that start date moved to Monday, August 22.

Similar to the original plans - albeit with altered dates, here are the details on the lane closures and detour.

• On August 22, both southbound lanes (those that head towards Superior from Duluth) will close - along with one northbound land. This closure will last about 4 weeks.
• On approximately September 28, the closures will switch - with both northbound lanes (those that head towards Duluth from Superior) being closed - along with one southbound land.  This closure is also expected to last about 4 weeks.

During inspections last year, MNDOT noted items that needed repairing or replacing.  Over the next two months, crews will repair gusset plates and a suspender cable.  The project is expected to be complete by October 28.

According to MNDOT, the project is being delayed due to the Tall Ships Festival.