Essentia Making Major Investment In Superior Ahead of Blatnik Bridge Closure

Since 1961, the John A. Blatnik Bridge has carried Interstate 535 and U.S. Highway 53 some 120 feet above the St. Louis River, tying Duluth and Superior together and serving as a daily lifeline for nearly 34,000 vehicles.

However, due to corrosion, weight restrictions, and mounting structural concerns, transportation officials are preparing for the task of replacing the bridge, a massive $1.8 billion replacement project that is funded by $1.058 billion in federal dollars plus $400 million each from Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The project is now moving forward, with the full bridge closure expected in 2027 and a brand-new span slated to open around 2032.

During that multi-year stretch, an estimated 33,000 vehicles a day will need to find another route across the harbor — with much of that traffic expected to funnel onto the Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge a few miles to the west. It's a reality that has Northland residents on both sides of the bay planning ahead.

For residents of Superior and greater northwest Wisconsin, one of the biggest concerns is health care. Tens of thousands of Wisconsin patients cross into Duluth each year for specialty services, and a years-long bridge closure could turn a quick trip into a real hurdle.

Now, Essentia Health has announced a major investment to help those in Wisconsin impacted by the bridge replacement.

Essentia Health Announces Expansion Of Health Care Services In Superior

Essentia Health announced this week that it is investing $14.5 million in Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital-Superior, part of a broad initiative to bring more care closer to home for patients across northwest Wisconsin.

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The plan expands clinician coverage, boosts specialty outreach and surgical capacity, and adds a Superior-based ambulance service — all timed to soften the impact of the coming closure.

"Our Wisconsin patients shouldn't have to delay their care due to travel-related barriers," said Kim Pearson, northwest Wisconsin administrator for Essentia Health. "By making more clinicians available, enhancing specialty outreach and strengthening emergency response, we can offer them more convenient options right here in Superior and across northwest Wisconsin."

Over the past several months, Essentia has already expanded audiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, and family medicine services in Superior. In the coming months, the health system plans to enhance pediatrics, cardiology, ophthalmology, and gastroenterology care as well — a steady buildup meant to reduce the need for patients to travel farther than necessary.

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On the surgical side, the Superior hospital will welcome two new general surgeons in October and add advanced surgical technology, including robotic-assisted capabilities such as the da Vinci Surgical System. It's a significant step up in what patients can have done without ever crossing the bridge.

Emergency response is getting reinforced, too. Essentia has added a Superior-based ambulance service with two new EMS trucks that will serve patients throughout Douglas County and back up Mayo Clinic Ambulance during times of increased need — an important safeguard when a bridge closure could complicate response times.

Superior Mayor Jim Paine stressed that the Blatnik Bridge replacement should not prevent people from receiving the care they need, so this is a welcome announcement. "I'm grateful for Essentia's planning and commitment to providing excellent care in Superior," Paine said.

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The Blatnik replacement is a once-in-a-generation project, and disruption is unavoidable when you rebuild a bridge this vital. But moves like this one show a community getting out ahead of the challenge rather than waiting for it to arrive.