Public Works chair outlines Blotnik crossing process; Metropolitan board backs federal funding support
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Summary
Public Works Chair Bensick updated the council on Blotnik crossing planning: four alignments were screened, tunnels and Connor's Point largely screened out, a 41‑page tech memo was published and the Metropolitan Interstate Council passed a resolution supporting a Blotnik crossing for federal funding; construction is not expected until 2028–2031.
Public Works Chair Bensick briefed the Superior Common Council on Sept. 21 about ongoing planning for a Blotnik crossing (referred to as the High Bridge project) and his participation on a MnDOT project advisory committee.
Bensick said the advisory process included four proposed alignments and an "alignment screening" in which certain options — notably tunnels and the Connor's Point landing — were largely screened out at this early stage. Results of the screening were published in a 41‑page technical memorandum in July; MnDOT and WisDOT have hosted public input meetings and information (slides and PowerPoints) is available on their website, Bensick said.
He told the council that the Metropolitan Interstate Council (the policy board) passed a resolution supporting a Blotnik crossing to strengthen applications for federal funds. He cautioned that this phase is a high‑level screening and that construction is not scheduled until roughly 2028–2031.
Bensick also mentioned other public‑works topics discussed in committee, including sidewalks and early exploration of community composting, and encouraged councilors to raise concerns at public‑works meetings if they want the city to weigh in on project details or alignment choices.