DOT Delivers $1.05 Billion for Blatnik Bridge Rebuild

DOT Press Releases

Published March 17th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the delivery of over $1.05 billion to replace the Blatnik Bridge connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota. This funding aims to address a backlog of grants and support critical infrastructure improvements.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean P. Duffy, has officially announced the disbursement of over $1.05 billion for the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge, which connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. This funding is presented as a resolution to a backlog of grants from the previous administration and is intended to facilitate the construction of a new, modern bridge to replace the aging 65-year-old structure.

While this announcement signifies the allocation of funds for a significant infrastructure project, it does not impose new direct compliance obligations on regulated entities. The primary implication is for the project stakeholders and contractors involved in the bridge's construction. Compliance officers should note the significant federal investment in transportation infrastructure, which may signal future opportunities or increased activity in related sectors. No specific compliance deadlines or penalties are mentioned in relation to this funding announcement itself.

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Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Delivers Over $1.05 Billion to Rebuild Blatnik Bridge Connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Secretary Duffy promised to get Blatnik Bridge built last week while visiting truckers in rural Wisconsin district

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the Department is delivering over $1.05 billion to replace the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge on I-535 connecting Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, across the St. Louis Bay. Congressman Stauber has been a strong advocate for delivering these funds to Minnesota.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are delivering critical dollars to rural America. This Department inherited an unprecedented Biden-Buttigieg backlog of 3,200 grants that were announced to much fanfare but never actually delivered,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “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. I want to thank Congressman Stauber for his tireless advocacy for this project on behalf of his constituents and Wisconsin neighbors to the south.”

“Today marks a tremendous milestone for our Northland communities. With the official disbursement of Blatnik funds, we will soon see ground break on this critical replacement project,” said Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08). "For decades, the Blatnik Bridge has carried 33,000 vehicles daily, serving as a vital lifeline for commerce and commuting between the Twin Ports and the broader region. Yet, time has taken its toll, which is why I have made it a priority in my tenure to secure this investment for its replacement. Soon, we will see the launch of a project that will create union jobs, ensure stronger supply chains for industries, and guarantee smoother and safer commutes for workers and tourists. I’m proud to have helped bring this project across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing this bridge arise anew and unlock lasting economic benefits for the Twin Ports for generations to come.”

The $1,058,398,200 was set aside in January 2024 under the last administration when the Biden-Buttigieg DOT failed to do the necessary work to obligate these critical dollars. Under Secretary Duffy’s leadership, the Department has worked tirelessly to address the backlog of grants left undelivered by the last administration. This unprecedented backlog of unobligated grants delayed critical investments in communities across the country.

Secretary Duffy promised to deliver these dollars for the bridge construction while touring Congressman Van Orden’s district in Monroe County, Wisconsin, last week, where the Secretary said, “it’s a bridge that needs to be built, and it’s a bridge that I care about and it’s a bridge I want to get built.”

After the Biden-Buttigieg team passed over Minnesota DOT’s application for funding, Rep. Stauber led a bipartisan effort to get funds allocated.