On Monday, officials announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded approximately $1.06 billion in federal funding to replace the John A. Blatnik Bridge between Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis.
"This is big news for Minnesota. This investment will make it possible for Minnesota and Wisconsin to rebuild a critical connection between our states that will foster regional economic growth, strengthen our national supply chains, and improve the safety and reliability of our transportation network," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. "This is a project that will serve hundreds of communities between our states."
The bridge is an important freight corridor and commercial connection between Duluth-Superior Twin Ports, and sees over 33,000 vehicles per day. It is jointly owned and managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
According to the statement, the total cost for rebuilding the bridge is approximately $1.8 billion. Each state committed $400 million toward the project last year.
Design work for the project, which will determine specifications and the shape the final project, is expected to begin this year. Once a final design is selected, construction could begin as early as next year.
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Source: Fox News
