An iconic connector
between Superior, Wisconsin
and Duluth, Minnesota
is set to close early next year.
The Blatnik Bridge
opened in 1961
and now more than
65 years later
is scheduled
for reconstruction.
But now, U.S. senators
in two states
and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers
have written letters
to the U.S.
Department of Transportation
to release that funding
so the project can proceed.
So how critical is it
to get this funding
released sooner
rather than later?
Well, at first
we'll be OK
because the
there are some delays
built into the project.
The problem is
the later we start
the later we finish
and the effect of the
closure of the bridge
is significant and that's what
we're preparing for.
Any extension of
that closure is problematic
for the economy and
quality of life of both
Superior and neighboring Duluth.
So, the later it starts
the later it finishes.
What has the U.S. DOT
told you about
when that might happen?
Nothing.
We have had a
lot of coordination
with Wisconsin
Department of Transportation
and of course, Minnesota
Department of Transportation.
And until now, we had
reasonable assurances
that this was going to happen.
There was a lot
of uncertainty
at the start of this
presidential administration
but that was supposed to
have been resolved
that this project was
going forward.
So this is
a very frustrating delay.