November 12, 2025 at 3:53 PM published in the Superior Telegram
“Prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” Kelly Peterson, executive director of the Superior Business Improvement District, said about the bridge closure that could last over four years.
SUPERIOR — When the Blatnik Bridge closes for reconstruction in early 2027, leaving just the Bong Bridge connecting Duluth and Superior, many local business owners intend to be ready.
“It’s actually going to be here before you know it,” said Amy Ugstad, a marketing consultant for the Superior Business Improvement District.
About 42 business owners and leaders attended a Blatnik Bootcamp on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Superior Entrepreneurship Center, to learn more about how they can prepare.
“The main thing that we’re trying to do is be as proactive as possible, providing opportunities for our businesses to really stay in the loop,” Ugstad said. “The big thing is just to make sure that they know they’re not alone.”
Superior businesses have weathered big road construction projects before, said Dave Miller, owner of Northwest Outlet. Reconstruction of Tower Avenue from North Third to Belknap streets took place in 2013. As part of preparation for the project, back door murals were added to buildings that faced Tower Avenue, a sign that they were still open for business.
From 2017-2018, Belknap Street was redone. The work included replacing early-1900s water lines and closing off 16 access points.
But this one is bigger. The bridge is expected to be shut down for up to 56 months, according to Paul Conlin, Wisconsin Department of Transportation project director.
“They tell us we’re going to see disruptions at the end of ‘26 with the teardown happening the first quarter of ‘27, so we need to plan ahead,” said Kelly Peterson, executive director of the SBID. “We want to make sure that the great businesses and destinations that are here are prepared, too, with their wayfinding, with their Google maps, with their rack cards, stuff like that, so we’re able to communicate and then pivot, if need be.”
Northwest Outlet is poised at the intersection of Belknap Street and Banks Avenue, where traffic to and from the Bong Bridge flows. Miller said roughly 60% of his store’s business comes from Minnesota.
“The last thing we want to have happen is for a potential customer to come to town, run into issues, have problems finding stuff and not come back,” Miller said. “The big thing is trying to make it a positive experience for everybody that’s coming to town.”
Peterson said communication and flexibility are key. Some businesses might need to change hours or do more outreach, she suggested. They can also seize opportunities, she said.
“We can talk about the challenges that we’re going to have with the traffic routes, but let’s talk about what a great community this is,” Peterson said.
The $1.8 billion construction project will bring in about 1,100 workers who need places to eat, sleep and recreate, according to Conlin.
“We’re bringing a lot of people into town, so hopefully if you treat them well, you can come up with a way to leverage that to your community’s benefit,” Conlin said.
It’s a chance to think big as well as plan, Peterson said. Possibilities include hard-hat happy hours, special construction passport booklets and more.
“My mother always said, you know, ‘Prepare for the worst and hope for the best,'” she said.
Rhonda Adams, an ambassador with the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce, said that with knowledge and planning, the business community can be proactive rather than reactive.
“Knowledge is power,” she said “When businesses come I want to make sure that they’re informed.”
Sarah May, owner of Bear Creek Defense, which offers self-defense and firearm education, said she attended to get the facts.
“I’m just a mom who wants to have a safer community for my family. And what better way to stay plugged in with the big changes and developments that are going on in our community than to show up at the meetings and to participate in that and then network with other awesome small business owners,” she said.
The plan is to continue to bring this information to businesses in the Twin Ports.
“So Lincoln Park would probably be the next stop … we’re going to try to bring it to different communities each time,” said Jen Rossman, a member of the Twin Ports Business Alliance and the Canal Park Business Association.