John A. Blatnik Bridge
John A. Blatnik Bridge | |
|---|---|
 Looking towards Duluth, Minnesota from Superior, Wisconsin near the John A. Blatnik bridge at night. | |
| Coordinates | 46°44′57″N 92°06′05″W / 46.7491°N 92.1013°W |
| Carries | Interstate 535 |
| Crosses | Saint Louis River |
| Locale | Duluth, Minnesota |
| Maintained by | Minnesota Department of Transportation |
| ID number | 9030 |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Tied-arch suspension span |
| Total length | 7975 feet (2440 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1961 |
The John A. Blatnik Bridge is the bridge that carries Interstate 535 and U.S. Highway 53 over Saint Louis Bay on Lake Superior between Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. The bridge is 7,975 feet long and was dedicated on December 2, 1961. It was renamed after Representative John Blatnik on September 24, 1971, to commemorate Blatnik's role in making the bridge a reality. Blatnik was the long time representative of the 8th congressional district that included Duluth. The Blatnik bridge replaced a toll bridge around the same location. The previous bridge was a drawbridge that carried both automobile and rail traffic.
The bridge was widened and the substructure was strengthened between 1992 and 1993 to accommodate two more lanes.
References
- FHWA by Day, September 24
- Structurae: Blatnik Bridge
- I-535/US-53 Exit Guide
- Minnesota Department of Transportation Construction Project Log Record, Control Section 6981
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