A two year construction project to make improvements on the Bong Bridge between Superior and Duluth will begin on March 31st. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says the $18.2 million project is the most significant project on the Bong Bridge since it opened in 1984, and is expected to preserve the life of the structure for years to come.
Work will begin on the westbound lanes so Duluth bound motorists will need to use the Blatnik Bridge during the coming construction season and the eastbound lanes will be closing next year. Bridge work will include a new pavement overlay, expansion joint replacement and arch painting. In addition, work will begin on a new roundabout for the Superior approach to the bridge at Highway 2 and Belknap Street.
Bong Bridge work
- Overlay existing bridge deck and make necessary repairs to the sidewalk
- Replace and repair arch components and repaint
- Replace existing expansion joints and repaint girder ends
- Replace street lights and ship navigation lights
Wisconsin approach
- Reconfigure the existing Belknap St. and US 2 intersection to a modern roundabout
- Add local access connection to US 2 for North Garfield Ave. (city industrial park)
- Bridge deck overlay of the Susquehanna overhead bridge
- Replace roadway lighting
- Replace existing concrete pavement
The project is expected to be completed in November of 2015.