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 The temporary bypass for the Highway 197 construction is well underway. Crews are expecting to install the temporary lights and begin paving in the next few weeks.
Highway 197 Bemidji construction update: May 21
Crews continue working on constructing the temporary bypass lane on the north side of Highway 197. Folks have likely experienced delays at the intersection of Highway 197 and 71 as crews work preparing for the temporary lights at the intersection. In the coming week we will see additional sand and gravel being hauled in for the bypass as well as work on compaction. MnDOT asks motorists to pay attention and drive with caution through the construction area.
Notes:
- The ATV trail on the north side of Highway 197 is in the work zone and is currently closed through the construction season.
- Schedule: There will be no construction activity May 23-25 due to Memorial Day weekend.
- Find the City of Bemidji staging maps, including current detour map here: mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy197-bemidji/construction
Current traffic impacts
Stage 1A: May 4 to mid-June
- Traffic impact: Lane closures at the intersection of Highway 197 and Highway 71.
What’s next?
- Continue preparation and construction of the temporary bypass on Highway 197. Crews plan to begin paving the first week of June. Once paving, striping and temp lights are complete, traffic will move over to the temporary bypass.
Have questions?
- Call the project hotline 218-444-CONE (2663) to connect with the business liaison.
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
Under the Hard Hat:
In this section, we will discuss a new topic each week to give further insight to the background of the project.
Who is paying for this?
The project is currently estimated at about $16 million, and we were fortunate to secure a competitive federal RAISE grant that covers the full cost. That funding comes through an 80% federal share and a 20% state match, meaning neither the city nor MnDOT District 2 has to contribute local dollars. Because this grant is above and beyond our usual budget, it gives us a unique chance to rebuild an important corridor without pulling from other local projects. With construction costs climbing everywhere, we’re grateful to have the resources lined up so Bemidji can move forward without added financial strain.
 Highway 197 Bemidji construction began Stage 1A on May 4.
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.
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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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