Commenting open: March 24, 2025 12:00AM CT - April 14, 2025 11:59PM CT.
MN DOT (John A. Blatnik Bridge replacement) - 401 Water Quality Certification
We invite you to comment on the draft 401 Water Quality Certification for the John A. Blatnik Bridge replacement project in St. Louis County.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation proposes to replace the John A. Blatnik Bridge that carries Interstate 535 over the St. Louis River/Duluth Harbor between Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin. The existing structure is deficient and will be replaced with a new bridge that includes stormwater infrastructure, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and some traffic realignments on the approaches to improve safety and mobility.
Demolition of the existing bridge will begin in 2027. Construction of the new design-build bridge will wrap up in 2031.
The project will permanently impact 0.50 acres of the St. Louis River and 1.15 acres of smaller wetlands at the fringe of the estuary. It will also temporarily impact 1.15 acres of the St. Louis River and 1.83 acres of fringe wetlands for construction of a causeway for staging and access and to build the piers and spans. All permanent impacts will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio; all temporary impacts will be mitigated at a 0.5:1 ratio to allow for on-site restoration.
A 401 Water Quality Certification is required when an individual, business, or property owner proposes construction-related activities near a navigable lake, river, stream, or adjacent wetland. The MPCA reviews projects to ensure they will not violate Minnesota's more protective water quality standards. The 401 certification becomes an enforceable component of the associated federal license or permits issued under the Clean Water Act.
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Thank you for subscribing to the MN DOT (John A. Blatnik Bridge replacement) - 401 Water Quality Certification mailing list.
We invite you to comment on the draft 401 Water Quality Certification for the John A. Blatnik Bridge replacement project in St. Louis County.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation proposes to replace the John A. Blatnik Bridge that carries Interstate 535 over the St. Louis River/Duluth Harbor between Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin. The existing structure is deficient and will be replaced with a new bridge that includes stormwater infrastructure, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and some traffic realignments on the approaches to improve safety and mobility.
Demolition of the existing bridge will begin in 2027. Construction of the new design-build bridge will wrap up in 2031.
The project will permanently impact 0.50 acres of the St. Louis River and 1.15 acres of smaller wetlands at the fringe of the estuary. It will also temporarily impact 1.15 acres of the St. Louis River and 1.83 acres of fringe wetlands for construction of a causeway for staging and access and to build the piers and spans. All permanent impacts will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio; all temporary impacts will be mitigated at a 0.5:1 ratio to allow for on-site restoration.
A 401 Water Quality Certification is required when an individual, business, or property owner proposes construction-related activities near a navigable lake, river, stream, or adjacent wetland. The MPCA reviews projects to ensure they will not violate Minnesota's more protective water quality standards. The 401 certification becomes an enforceable component of the associated federal license or permits issued under the Clean Water Act.
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields