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Crews continue work along the medians on the Highway 71 corridor in the final stage of the project. Both northbound and southbound lanes are open, however inside lanes are closed for median construction. All medians (J-turns) will be constructed and be impassible until early October.
Traffic will not be able to cross Highway 71 while construction is underway. Motorists will utilize the signed detours, Irvine Avenue ramps or the Anne Street roundabout, depending on their location.
- Example- motorists wanting to turn south out of Lakes Concrete will turn north on Hwy 71 and utilize the Irvine Avenue ramps to turn south on Hwy 71.
What's happening now?
- Median/intersection reconstruction along the corridor
- Landscaping and permanent signage at Anne Street
This is what's next (weather permitting)
- Median paving
- Overhead sign installation near the Anne Street roundabout
- Additional pavement markings at the roundabout
- Rumble strips and pavement markings throughout the corridor
- Remove temporary pavement
- Complete drainage pond near Anne Street
- Landscaping throughout the corridor
- Light pole installation
- Project remains on schedule to be complete early October
- For more information on how to navigate a roundabout, please visit the MnDOT website.
Traffic Impacts:
*Motorists can expect temporary lane closures on Anne Street east in the next few weeks. There will also be a one day closure of the Hwy 71 north turn lane onto Anne Street east. Date to be determined.
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Hwy 71:
- Medians are currently closed, utilize Irvine Avenue ramps or Anne Street roundabout (depending on location) for cross traffic on Highway 71.
- Slow down and expect delays
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Anne St:
- All four legs of the roundabout are now open
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Winter Sumac Rd:
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Hwy 71/197:
- Lane closure at Hwy 71 northbound off of Hwy 2, 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, September 28, 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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