Design-Build

Blatnik Bridge Project

SP 6981-26, Letting June 23, 2026

Purpose

MnDOT has decided to use a design-build delivery method to design and construct the Blatnik Bridge replacement project. The design-build project will encompass the approach work in both states and the main bridge replacement.

The project being developed will replace the structure to current standards, add bike and pedestrian facilities and improve traffic operations. In addition, there will likely be one or more early, traditional design-bid-build contracts in preparation for the primary design-build contract. MnDOT and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will share the cost of this project and jointly secured federal funding grants to match state funds allocated to the project.

Procurement schedule

• Request for Letters of Interest
• Draft RFQ and RFP: June 30, 2025
• RFQ release: July 31, 2025
• RFP release: Nov 7, 2025
• Letting: June 23, 2026

Information

• Project Sharepoint site
• Public project information page
  

Anticipated associated contracts

• Design oversight team, including bridge design oversight, geotechnical design oversight, geotechnical construction oversight/support, civil design oversight; anticipated contract execution: April 2026
• Specialized bridge construction oversight for navigation span unit, specialty structures; anticipated contract execution: June 2026
• Construction contract administration/verification (bridge and roadway); anticipated contract execution: June 2026
• Archeological monitoring in Minnesota; anticipated contract execution: June or July 2026
• Archeological monitoring in Wisconsin; anticipated contract execution: June or July 2026
• Indigenous cultural monitoring in Minnesota and Wisconsin; anticipated contract execution: June or July 2026