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 (PDF)
• Draft RFQ and RFP: June 30, 2025
• RFQ release: July 31, 2025
  • Shortlisted teams: Nov. 4, 2025 (Word)
• RFP release: Nov 10, 2025
• Letting: June 23, 2026

A PLA requirement may be addended into the Contract.  Please see this link for a short statement.

Information

• Project Sharepoint site
• Public project information page
  

Anticipated associated contracts

• Design oversight team (anticipated contract execution: April 2026):
  • https://www.dot.state.mn.us/consult/notices.html
  • bridge design oversight
  • geotechnical design oversight
  • geotechnical construction oversight/support
  • civil design oversight
• Specialized bridge construction oversight (anticipated contract execution: June 2026)
  • Navigation span unit
  • Specialty structures
  • Post letting organization chart
    
• Environmental compliance manager (anticipated contract NTP: June 2026)
  
• Construction contract administration/verification - bridge and roadway (anticipated contract NTP: July 2026):
  
  • Field verification team
  • Office manager
  • Potential change order assistance
  • Post letting organization chart
• Archeological monitoring in Minnesota (anticipated contract NTP: July 2026
• Archeological monitoring in Wisconsin (anticipated contract NTP: July 2026)
• Indigenous cultural monitoring in Minnesota and Wisconsin (anticipated contract NTP: June July 2026)