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Crews are currently working on Stage 2. Work continues in the southbound lanes as well as construction of the roundabout. The project began May 16 and continues on schedule.
The next major traffic switch will happen in early August. At that time, traffic will move to head to head in the newly paved southbound lanes. The southbound Irvine Avenue ramps will also be open at that time. The northbound lanes and Irvine Avenue ramps will be closed. The west side entrances of Highway 71 are planned to be open at that time. The Anne Street detour (Fern St- stop light north of roundabout) will remain in place.
Motorists can expect Stage 3 work to begin mid-August. At that time, the roundabout north, west and south sides will be open. Anne street east leg will detour using Fern and Minnkota.
MnDOT wants to remind motorists to obey posted speed limit signs, avoid distractions and do not enter a closed road.
Construction update, July 8
 Photo caption: Concrete truck apron being installed at the Anne Street intersection. Roundabouts include an interior paved area specifically designed for semi-trucks. The truck apron acts as an extra lane for large vehicles or trailers.
What's happening now?
- Prepare for pavement (Paving begins mid-July)
- Hwy 71 southbound lanes
- Anne St west of the intersection
- Southbound on/off ramps at Irvine Ave
- Roundabout construction/concrete installation at Anne St
- Median/intersection reconstruction along the rest of the corridor
This is what's next (beginning week of July 9, weather permitting)
- Continue with the current Stage 2 construction activities
- Continue concrete curb installation at roundabout as well as intersections on the west side of Hwy 71. Expect alternating closures.
- Paving in southbound lanes as well as southbound ramps will begin July 14 (weather permitting)
 Traffic Impacts:
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Hwy 71:
- Southbound lanes closed north of Highway 197 to Winter Sumac Rd.
- Southbound traffic cannot access the Irvine Ave on/off ramps
- Detour routes include Glidden Rd and Lakewood Dr, dependent on work at those intersections. Signs will be posted directing traffic
- Townhall Rd., Winter Sumac Rd. and East Movil Lake Rd. closed on the west side of Highway 71, use alternate route.
- Blueberry and Balsam- alternating closures.
- Temporary bypass lane is open. It allows for Hwy 71 traffic to bypass the roundabout construction at Anne St
- Slow down and expect delays
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Anne St:
- East and west legs are closed at Hwy 71, detour onto Fern St
- Access to Laurel Dr is closed, detour onto Bardwell Dr
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Lakewood Dr:
- Northbound access closed at Hwy 71. Access via Irvine Ave and Fairgrounds Rd/Jon Ave from the north
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Winter Sumac Rd:
- Shoulder work at Winter Sumac Rd, expect delays
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Hwy 197:
- Lane closure at Hwy 71, expect delays
- Access to all businesses will be maintained through the duration of the project
- Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible
- Speed limits are reduced throughout the entire project, follow posted speed limit signs
Stay connected
- View staging maps, detour maps, and current traffic impacts on the project website www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy71-bemidji
- Join the project staff at the weekly construction update meeting in person or virtually. The meetings will be held at the MnDOT building, 3920 Highway 2 West. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 13, at 10:00 a.m. The schedule may vary, so visit the project website for the upcoming schedule and virtual link
- Sign up for weekly project email updates on the project website
- Join the Northwest Minnesota Facebook group for news, events and updates
- Follow us on Twitter @mndotnorthwest for news, events and updates
- For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store
Work zone reminder
- Slow down when approaching every work zone
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits; fine for a work zone violation is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient and expect delays, especially during peak travel times
For more information on projects in northwest Minnesota, follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/groups/MnDOTnorthwest and Twitter at @mndotnorthwest. For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.
We will be sending these project updates each week. There’s plenty of ways to stay connected though, as the weekly public meetings occur every Wednesday throughout the project. Visit the project website to view staging/detour maps and refer to the stay connected section below for all of the ways to stay up to date as the project moves along this summer.
www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy71-bemidji
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