Bemidji, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today that construction on Highway 71 from Turtle River to Tenstrike will begin June 1. Thru-traffic will be detoured until October.

MnDOT will host an open house on May 19 at Turtle River Town Hall (9883 S Arm Ct., Bemidji) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Project staff will be available to answer questions and share information.

Highway 71 will be closed from Beltrami County roads 23 to 29 during construction. Work is expected to be complete by October, weather permitting. Access to residences and businesses along Highway 71 will be maintained, but residents and other local traffic should expect some restrictions in the areas where crews are working. Please slow down, and watch for workers, trucks and heavy equipment when traveling through the work zone. If you don’t have a destination on Highway 71, please use the detour.

Knife River Materials is the prime contractor for the $8.8 million project.  

Project elements include:

• Pavement reconstruction
• Construction of a southbound bypass lane at Turtle River Lake Road
• Entrance culvert replacements

Project Benefits

Benefits of the project include a safer roadway, improved drainage, and a smoother, longer-lasting driving surface.

Stay connected

• Visit the Hwy 71 Turtle River to Tenstrike project website for details, detour maps, and email updates.
• Project information will be shared on the MnDOT Northwest Facebook group and on X @mndotnorthwest.
• For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

Work zone safety reminders

• 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 violation in a work zone is $300
• Minimize distractions behind the wheel
• Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times

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www.mndot.gov