Superior Businesses Prepare for Blatnik Bridge Closure

Some companies see opportunity in moving closer to the construction zone.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:50am

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of yoga mats, a block, and a strap arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, conceptually representing a yoga studio adapting to changing urban dynamics.As the Blatnik Bridge undergoes a major reconstruction, some businesses are strategically positioning themselves on both sides of the divide to serve customers during the disruption.Superior Today

As the $1.8 billion Blatnik Bridge replacement project in the Twin Ports area is set to begin next year, some businesses are strategizing how to best navigate the disruption. While some enterprises plan to relocate away from the construction zone, others see benefits in moving closer, such as Runa Yoga, which recently transformed its Duluth studio into a new brick-and-mortar location in Superior's Tower Avenue.

Why it matters

The Blatnik Bridge closure will significantly impact traffic patterns and accessibility between Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. Businesses on both sides of the bridge are evaluating how to best position themselves to serve customers and capitalize on any potential shifts in consumer behavior during the multi-year construction project.

The details

Some businesses, like Runa Yoga, are proactively moving to Superior ahead of the bridge closure, betting that customers from Superior will be less inclined to travel to Duluth for services. Meanwhile, other Superior-based companies are considering expanding with a second location in Duluth to maintain a presence on both sides of the bridge. Local business development groups in both cities are working together to support companies through the transition.

  • The $1.8 billion Blatnik Bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin in 2027.
  • Runa Yoga moved its brick-and-mortar studio from Duluth to Superior's Tower Avenue in 2024.

The players

Runa Yoga

A yoga studio that recently transformed from a Duluth location to a new brick-and-mortar facility in Superior's Tower Avenue.

Madeline Fisher

The owner of Runa Yoga who decided to relocate the studio to Superior ahead of the Blatnik Bridge construction.

Kelly Peterson

The executive director of the Superior Business Improvement District, who is working with other local groups to support businesses during the bridge closure.

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What they’re saying

“Some are moving to Superior ahead of the bridge construction, and then there are those who may keep a Duluth location and expand to Superior.”

— Kelly Peterson, Executive Director, Superior Business Improvement District

“There will definitely be challenges with the construction, but I also think there will be benefits because of it. People from Superior who have been going to Duluth for yoga might find our studio because they don't want to make the trek anymore.”

— Madeline Fisher, Owner, Runa Yoga

What’s next

Local business development groups in both Duluth and Superior plan to continue meeting weekly to coordinate support and strategies for companies navigating the Blatnik Bridge closure.

The takeaway

The impending Blatnik Bridge construction project is prompting some businesses to proactively relocate or expand to the other side of the bridge, betting that customer traffic patterns will shift during the multi-year construction period. This dynamic highlights the importance of cross-city collaboration to help local enterprises weather the disruption.