Essentia Health invests $14.5 million in Superior to offset bridge closure

Essentia Health has announced a $14.5 million investment in Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital-Superior to expand medical services in northwest Wisconsin. The initiative aims to mitigate healthcare access issues caused by the upcoming replacement of the John A. Blatnik Bridge.

The bridge replacement is a $1.8 billion project expected to result in a full closure in 2027, with a new span slated to open around 2032. During this period, an estimated 33,000 vehicles daily will be diverted, potentially creating travel barriers for Wisconsin residents who currently cross into Duluth for specialty care.

The investment will expand clinician coverage and surgical capacity in fields such as neurology, oncology, orthopedics, family medicine, pediatrics, and cardiology. Additionally, the plan includes adding two Superior-based ambulances to support Mayo Clinic Ambulance, intended to maintain emergency response times and ensure ambulances remain available for scene responses rather than just patient transport.