Major Work Planned For Bong Bridge Before Blatnik Bridge Replacement

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is holding a meeting to discuss some big repair projects that will take place soon on the Bong Bridge. The work is planned because the Bong Bridge will see heavier traffic and use when the Blatnik Bridge replacement project begins.

Both bridges connect Duluth, Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin. The Blatnik Bridge was built in the 1960s, while the Bong Bridge was finished in 1984. The Blatnik Bridge needs to be replaced which will take several years. During that time, only the Bong Bridge will be open. The Bong Bridge needs repairs to be ready for the heavy traffic flow.

Public meeting to be held on August 21

A public meeting has been set for Wednesday, August 21 at the Superior Public Library at 1530 Tower Avenue in Superior, Wisconsin.

A presentation is planned for 5 PM. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is proposing the following work to the Bong Bridge:

• Completing spot painting
• making concrete repairs
• replacing the rubber strip seal on the main bridge span's joints
• selling the bridge deck
• replacing light bases and poles.

The proposed work would take place during the summer of 2025. WisDOT says a minimum of one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction.

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Minnesota side on and off ramps will be closed.

According to the WisDOT press release:

• The US 2 on- and off-ramps on the Minnesota side of the structure will be closed, with traffic detoured during various stages of work.

The sidewalk on the bridge will be closed for a period.

The only pedestrian walkway between Duluth + Superior is located on the Bong Bridge. That will need to be close for a three week period while the outer lanes are closed for structure work.

You can learn more about the project by visiting the project page on the WisDOT website.