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Section 3
 Highway 197 Bemidji construction began Stage 1A on May 4.
 Highway 197 temporary crossover will provide access to businesses on the south side of Highway 197 during construction.
 Crews are currently constructing the temporary bypass lane on Highway 197 in Bemidji. Photo taken May 13.
 Crews are currently constructing the temporary bypass lane on Highway 197 in Bemidji. Photo taken May 13.
Highway 197 Bemidji construction update: May 13
Motorists traveling on Highway 197 will see a little more action this week. Crews have started grading in preparation for the temporary bypass on the north side of Highway 197 near the airport. Folks have probably already noticed the lane closures on both Highway 71 and Highway 197. The purpose of the lane closures is to allow the heavy equipment room to move through the construction area safely. Please remember to pay attention, drive with caution and expect delays.
Current traffic impacts
Staging details and detour maps: www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy197-bemidji
Stage 1A: Prep the area
May 4 to mid-June
- Week of May 11: Prep for construction of temporary bypass lanes on Highway 197 from Highway 71 to Gillette.
- Traffic impact: Lane closures on Highway 197 and Highway 71.
What’s next?
- Continue preparation and construction of the temporary bypass on Highway 197
Have questions?
- Call the project hotline 218-444-CONE (2663) to connect with the business liaison
What to Expect Early On:
• Crews will build temporary lanes to carry single-lane traffic through the project
• Traffic shifts onto temp lanes and crews reconstruct the highway and roundabout
2026 Construction schedule
Construction will be completed in stages, starting May 4 through fall 2026.
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May 4 to mid-June
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Stage 1A: Construct temporary bypass lanes and crossover
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Mid-June to late-August
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Stage 1B: Reconstruct Highway 197, construct most of the roundabout (all except the northern leg)
- Traffic impact: truck detour
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Late-July to mid-August
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Stage 1C: Reconstruct Highway 71/197 intersection
- Traffic impact:
- East/West bypass lanes remain open
- Highway 71 traffic detour
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Mid-August to mid-September
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Stage 1D: Extend Gillette Dr, construct northern leg of the roundabout
- Traffic impact:
- East/West bypass lanes remain open
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Mid-September to late-September
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Stage 1F: Remove Highway 197 bypass lanes and temporary signals at Highway 71
- Traffic impact:
- Highway 197 East/West lanes open
- Highway 71 closes at the north segment of the intersection
- Highway 71 traffic detour
Stay connected
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Visit the Highway 197 Bemidji project website for details, detour maps, weekly public meeting information, and to sign up for email updates.
Work zone safety reminders
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Slow down when approaching every work zone
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Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
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Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
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Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
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Minimize distractions behind the wheel
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Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times
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Section 4
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MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all people in their programs, services and activities. If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format (such as braille, large print or in a different language) at no cost, please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720. Relay service: 711.
If you need any other reasonable accommodation to participate (such as seating modification or auxiliary aids), please email your request to Accessibility.DOT@state.mn.us or call 1-833-400-8432. Relay service: 711.
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