Dillon Morello WDIO
Updated: November 10, 2025 – 9:09 PM
Published: November 10, 2025 – 5:45 PM
Click to see article with video on WDIO
On Monday, local businesses were given a crash course on how to navigate the upcoming Blatnik Bridge replacement project.
Kelly Peterson with the Twin Ports Business Alliance said Superior businesses will be heavily affected.
“This project is huge, and its impact will fall heavily on the small businesses of Superior, especially those in our downtown district. Our community needs to rally around our neighbors and local businesses so we can come out stronger together,” said Peterson.
With an average of 33,000 cars traveling between the Twin Ports each day, business owners are concerned customer numbers will plummet once construction begins.
On Monday, attendees were given marketing strategies and tools to help ensure their businesses stay afloat during the project.
“It’s going to affect not just Superior and Douglas County. It’s gonna affect the surrounding areas. So we’re really ahead of the game, making sure that people have the information that they need to continue to be successful,” Peterson added.
The informational event was hosted by the Superior Business Improvement District (SBID) and the Twin Ports Business Alliance (TPBA). It was designed to help local organizations prepare for the upcoming Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project by providing practical tools and updates.
Attendees learned about project timelines from MnDOT and WisDOT representatives, accessed key resources, and gained valuable marketing and operational strategies to ensure their businesses not only survive but thrive throughout the bridge replacement project.
“The Blatnik Bridge rebuild represents the largest financial investment and longest multi-year infrastructure project in Wisconsin’s history — a $400 million investment from the state and a total of $1.8 billion in federal funding,” said Peterson.
Construction is slated to begin at the end of 2026. The Superior Business Improvement District has additional resources available on its website for any business owners who were unable to attend the meeting.