NOTE: This Transportation Improvement Program is outdated and has been replaced by the 2025-2028 version.
New Superior Area TIP Approved for FY 2025-2028
The 2024-2027 TIP was replaced by the 2025-2028 Superior Area Transportation Improvement Program, effective January 1, 2025.
Amendments 17 & 18 Approved
The following amendments to the 2024-2027 Superior TIP were approved by the MIC Policy Board:
Amendments 17 and 18
Two amendments have been requested by WisDOT to add two $250,000 railway projects in 2026, for work associated with signals and gates at three Union Pacific rail crossings in the vicinity of the Blatnik Bridge future replacement site.
Public notice posted 10/8/24: Amendments 17 & 18 Proposed for Approval (Opportunity for Public Comment)
Amendments 17 & 18 to the 2024-2027 Superior TIP will be brought forward for approval at the October 16, 2024 MIC Policy Board meeting. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken.
About Amendments and Administrative Modifications
Amendment 16 Approved
The following amendment to the 2024-2027 Superior TIP was approved by the MIC Policy Board:
Amendment 16
A TIP amendment has been requested by WisDOT for preliminary engineering scheduled to begin in 2024 for work associated with a 90-bridge deck sealing project covering the NW Region of WisDOT with a total cost of $35,000. The funding below is for PE work associated with the two bridges in the MIC area.
Public notice posted 8/13/24: Amendment 16 Proposed for Approval (Opportunity for Public Comment)
Amendment 16 will be brought forward for approval at the August 21, 2024 MIC Policy Board meeting. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken.
About Amendments and Administrative Modifications
Updated List: Superior Area TIP Projects Obligated for Federal Funding in 2023
WisDOT is requiring all Wisconsin MPO’s to update their 2023 Federally Obligated Projects list to meet new requirements.
The listing includes all federally funded projects (including investments in pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) for which funds under 23 U.S.C. or 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 were obligated in the Superior TIP in 2023, as well as federal funding remaining and available for subsequent years.
Public Notice: Administrative Modification #1:
Project Description Change to Project 113-24-001
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation requested a change to the project description (FIPS Number) for an existing TIP project already listed in the 2024-2027 TIP. The project, USH 2 from 53rd Ave E to CTH C (TIP Project ID 113-24-001), will incorporate a change in the FIPS number from 1180-00-31 to 1180-00-60*. The project year, scope and cost are not affected.
This change has been made administratively to the 2024-2027 Superior TIP. Based on the adopted MIC Public Involvement Plan, the proposed change does not require a formal Amendment.
Details of Administrative Modification #1
About Amendments and Administrative Modifications
Amendments 11-15 Approved
The following amendments to the 2024-2027 Superior TIP were approved by the MIC Policy Board at its May 15, 2024 meeting.
TIP AMENDMENT #11: Blatnik Bridge Preliminary Engineering
A TIP amendment has been requested by WisDOT for preliminary engineering/reimbursement to Minnesota in the amount of $5,680,920 (WisDOT state funding) towards the Hwy 535 Blatnik Bridge replacement project (St. Louis River BR B16-0005-0001 to 0005). WisDOT funds transfer to MnDOT scheduled for 2024.
TIP AMENDMENT #12: Blatnik Bridge Preliminary Engineering
A TIP amendment has been requested by WisDOT for preliminary engineering/reimbursement in the amount of $8,333.400 (10% WisDOT state funding and 90% federal earmark) to Minnesota towards the Hwy 535 Blatnik Bridge replacement project (St. Louis River BR B16-0005-0001 to 0005). WisDOT funds transfer to MnDOT scheduled for 2024.
TIP AMENDMENT #13: Blatnik Bridge Preliminary Engineering
A TIP amendment has been requested by WisDOT for preliminary engineering in the amount of $4,700,000 (53% WisDOT bond and 47% MnDOT) towards the Hwy 535 Blatnik Bridge replacement project (St. Louis River BR B16-0005-0001 to 0005). Work scheduled for 2026.
TIP AMENDMENT #14: County Highway C Preliminary Engineering
A TIP amendment has been requested for preliminary engineering in the amount of $15,000 (County funding) for a section of CTH C scheduled for reconstruction in 2024.
TIP AMENDMENT #15: County Highway C Preliminary Engineering
A TIP amendment has been requested for preliminary engineering in the amount of $15,000 (County funding) for a section of CTH C scheduled for reconstruction in 2024.
Public notice posted 5/7/24: Amendments #11-15 Proposed for Approval (Opportunity for Public Comment)
Amendments #11-15 will be brought forward for approval at the May 15, 2024 MIC Policy Board meeting. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken.
About Amendments and Administrative Modifications
Amendment #10 Approved
The following amendment to the 2024-2027 Superior TIP was approved by the MIC Policy Board at its March 20, 2024 meeting.
TIP AMENDMENT #10 – Blatnik Bridge Construction Funds
A TIP amendment has been requested by WisDOT for construction/bridge replacement/reimbursement to Minnesota towards the IH 535 Blatnik Bridge replacement project (St. Louis River BR B16-0005 to 0001). WisDOT bond funds transfer to MnDOT scheduled for 2026.
Public notice posted 3/12/24: Amendment #10 Proposed for Approval (Opportunity for Public Comment)
Amendment 10 will be brought forward for approval at the March 20, 2024 MIC Policy Board meeting. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken.
About Amendments and Administrative Modifications
Annual Listing of Obligated Projects
Superior Area TIP Projects Obligated for Federal Funding in 2023 (click to view)
The listing includes all federally funded projects (including investments in pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) for which funds under 23 U.S.C. or 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 were obligated in the Superior TIP in 2023, as well as federal funding remaining and available for subsequent years.
Amendment #9 Approved
The following amendment to the 2024-2027 Superior TIP was approved by the MIC Policy Board at its meeting on February 21, 2024:
AMENDMENT #9: Bong Bridge Painting
WisDOT requested a TIP amendment for painting work associated with painting the Bong Bridge (B161-0038-0013) in partnership with MnDOT. Construction work is scheduled for 2026
Public notice posted 2/13/24:
Amendment #9 Proposed for Approval (Opportunity for Public Comment)
Amendment #9 will be brought forward for approval at the February 21, 2024 MIC Policy Board meeting. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken.
About Amendments and Administrative Modifications
Amendments #1-8 Approved
The following 8 amendments to the 2024-2027 Superior TIP were approved by the MIC Policy Board at its meeting on January 17, 2024:
AMENDMENT #1: Funding for a Transportation Voucher Program, North Country Independent Living Center
This project enables IndiGO (North Country Independent Living Center) to continue to fund their transportation voucher and volunteer driver program to eligible clients throughout their eight-county service area (Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer, and Washburn) in northern Wisconsin.
AMENDMENT #2: Funding for a Mobility Manager, North Country Independent Living Center
This project enables IndiGO (North Country Independent Living Center) to continue to fund their mobility management program staff to coordinate rides for the region’s population of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
AMENDMENT #3: Funding for a Transportation Voucher Program, Center for Independent Living
This project enables the Center for Independent Living to provide a transportation voucher and volunteer driver program to eligible clients throughout a 42-county area (including Douglas County).
TIP AMENDMENT #4: Funding for a Mobility Manager, Center for Independent Living
This project enables the Center for Independent Living to operate a mobility management program funding staff members who coordinate rides for a 42-county area (including Douglas County) for a population of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
TIP AMENDMENT #5: Funding for Purchase of a Replacement Vehicle, Senior Connections, Inc.
This project enables Senior Connections to replace their current vehicle with a new Side-Entry equipped Minivan.
TIP AMENDMENT #6 – Funding for Preliminary Engineering, Bong Bridge
WisDOT requested a TIP amendment for preliminary engineering for work associated with painting the Bong Bridge (B161-0038-0001 to 0013) in partnership with MnDOT. Preliminary engineering work is scheduled for 2024.
TIP AMENDMENT #7 – Funding for Preliminary Engineering, Susquehanna Bridge
WisDOT requested a TIP amendment for preliminary engineering for an MMA (methyl methacrylate) overlay of the Susquehanna Bridge along USH 2 in the City of Superior. Preliminary engineering work is scheduled for 2024.
TIP AMENDMENT #8 – Funding for Preliminary Engineering, Pokegama River Bridge
WisDOT requested a TIP amendment for preliminary engineering for a thin polymer overlay of the Pokegama River Bridge (B-16-0143) along STH 105. Preliminary engineering work is scheduled for 2024.
Public Notice posted 1/9/24:
Amendments 1-8 Proposed for Approval (Opportunity for Public Comment)
Amendments 1-8 will be brought forward for approval at the MIC Policy Board meeting on January 17, 2024. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken.
About Amendments and Administrative Modifications
Final Approvals Received for 2024-2027 Superior Area TIP
The 2024-2027 TIP received final state and federal approvals on 12/14/23 and is therefore the current Transportation Improvement Program for the Superior Area.
2024-2027 Superior Area TIP Adopted by MIC Board
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the final 2024-2027 Superior Area TIP and the listed transportation improvement projects to receive federal funding for CY 2024-2027. No public comments were received at the meeting.
Note, until this TIP is approved by WisDOT and the FHWA, the Superior Area TIP for CY 2023-2026 remains the current version.
Final TIP to be presented for Adoption by MIC Policy Board (Opportunity for Public Comment)
The final 2024-2027 Superior Area TIP will be presented for adoption at the October 18 meeting of the MIC Policy Board.
The meeting is open to the public and comments are welcome.
Virtual Open House for the Draft 2024-2027 Superior TIP
Date & Time
09/15/2023
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
09/15/2023
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Location
Virtual Meeting - Join Online or by Phone (see info in post)
Virtual Meeting - Join Online or by Phone (see info in post)
Purpose
Members of the public are invited and encouraged to join in this online meeting for information about the 2022-2025 Superior TIP, ask questions and give comments.
Microsoft Teams meeting — Join on your computer, mobile app or room device: Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 247 328 010 149
Passcode: kbgM5p
Or call in (audio only): +1 414-435-2017,,165235139# / Phone Conference ID: 165 235 139#
The draft TIP and proposed projects can be viewed in the attachments, below.
Draft 2025-2028 Superior TIP Released for 30-Day Public Comment Period
The MIC Board approved the release of the draft TIP for public review and comment, from September 1-30, 2024.
View legal notice, published 8/25/23
Superior TIP Project Solicitation for CY 2027
Correspondence was sent to eligible agencies and jurisdictions soliciting CY 2027 multi-modal transportation projects. Four new projects were submitted for inclusion:
• One roadway project: USH 2 Resurfacing – 53rd Ave E to CTH C ($9,200,000)
• Two rail projects: OCR and WisDOT projects (no location identified) ($100,000 each)
• Transit Operations: Regular Route ($1,685,142 estimated)
• Paratransit Operations: STRIDE ($60,788 estimated)
Funded Projects
No projects match selected year
Programming federally-funded infrastructure projects for the next 4 years
Before a surface transportation project can be built in the Superior area using federal funds, it must be included in a Transportation Improvement Program, or TIP, that has been developed with an opportunity for public input and approved by the MIC Policy Board, WisDOT and the FHWA.
It is part of the MIC’s role as an MPO to develop an annual TIP. The MIC works with state and local agencies to prioritize and program the transportation projects and services that will receive the federal funds that are anticipated to be received for this area for the next four years.
The final, approved TIP lists all regionally significant transportation projects that will utilize federal funds for the next four years. All projects are consistent with the transportation priorities of our region, as identified in our most recent long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
TIP Development
We work with local community partners to prioritize how our increasingly scarce share of federal transportation dollars are spent. It is a cooperative effort between the agencies and local jurisdictions responsible for implementing our area’s transportation projects* and involves a series of steps to reach the project approval stage.
All transportation projects in Superior that use federal funds must be programmed in a TIP that has been adopted by the MIC Policy Board, WisDOT and the FHWA.
Each year, before it is presented for adoption by the MIC Board, the draft document is made available for input and comment by the MIC’s Transportation Advisory Committee, Policy Board and members of the public, as well as by WisDOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
The TIP development schedule, below, reflects coordination among the availability of funds, WisDOT program development, local capital improvement budgets and priorities, MPO public involvement requirements and the state-level TIP (STIP) development process.
- Project solicitation: MPO notifies eligible agencies and jurisdictions – June
- Draft TIP creation: July
- 30-day public comment period and WisDOT review: August
- Final TIP presented to MPO Policy Board for adoption: October
- Adopted TIP submitted to WisDOT for review and approval: November
- Adopted TIP submitted to FHWA for review and approval: November
- Adopted TIP incorporated into WisDOT statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP): November
- Approved by reference in the federally approved STIP: December
*Eligible agencies and jurisdictions include the state of Wisconsin (WisDOT), Douglas County, the City of Superior and the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA).
How are TIP projects selected?
All projects must be identified in the MIC’s current 25-year long range Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The MTP defines the Duluth-Superior area’s transportation goals and system needs, including:
- Regional Benefit: What are the project’s benefits and intended effect upon the regional transportation network and what are the project’s estimated benefits relative to its cost?
- Mobility: How will the project improve the mobility of people and goods?
- Planning Support: How will the project incorporate recommendations from the MIC’s related plans and studies?
- Multimodal Connectivity: How does the project encompass multiple modes of travel?
- Environmental Impacts: Where is the project’s location and what potential environmental and community impacts does it potentially pose?
- Public Participation: What level of public participation has already been undertaken or will take place for the proposed project?
Amendments
Projects may be amended into the current, approved TIP throughout the year. Amendments usually modify existing projects as changes occur to the scope, cost or timeline for programmed projects. Sometimes new projects may be added if new funding becomes available. The formal processes for developing and amending a TIP are specified in the MIC’s Public Involvement Plan.
Performance Measures
Federal legislation requires that the TIP includes a description of the anticipated effect of the projects funded in the TIP toward achieving the MIC’s performance measure targets, linking these annual infrastructure investments to improved performance of the transportation system.