DULUTH — Officials in Duluth said they have a plan to fix a bridge that’s important to the city’s Canal Park business district.

The Minnesota Slip Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that provides a fast way from downtown to Canal Park, is lifted when necessary to let fishing and tour boats pass. But it has struggled for consistent operation since opening about a quarter-century ago. The bridge was out of operation last summer for 35 days.

Cari Pedersen of the city’s engineering department said the cable system that raises and lowers the bridge will be replaced with a gear system to be more reliable and safe.

The renovation is due to start next spring.