 Highway 197 crossover to the temporary bypass lanes at the western limits of the project.
 Crews continue grading operations on the temporary bypass lanes with paving planned for next week. Motorists can expect the traffic to shift onto the new temporary bypass on June 5.
 Highway 197 crossover to the temporary bypass lanes at the eastern limits of the project near Middle School Dr.
Highway 197 Bemidji construction update: May 27
Crews continue making progress on the temporary bypass lane on the north side of Highway 197. This week, crews will finish grading and gravel work. Motorists can also expect delays as crews install temporary signals on Highway 197 at Highway 71 and at the crossover near the Menards access road.
What’s next?
During the week of June 1, crews are scheduled to pave the temporary bypass on the north side of Highway 197 along with the temporary crossover. Once paving is complete, crews will complete striping and plan to shift traffic by the end of the day on Friday, June 5. MnDOT asks motorists to continue driving with caution and paying close attention while traveling through the construction area.
Notes:
- Find the City of Bemidji staging maps, including current detour map here: mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy197-bemidji/construction
- The City of Bemidji project is well underway and making progress. The City is hopeful to have Middle School Drive back open to regular traffic in early-July.
- The ATV trail on the north side of Highway 197 is in the work zone and is currently closed through the construction season.
Current traffic impacts
Stage 1A: May 4 to mid-June
- Traffic impact: Lane closures at the intersection of Highway 197 and Highway 71
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.
Why not night work?
That’s a fair question. Night work sounds like an easy solution, but it doesn’t fit every project.
For Highway 197, daytime work is generally safer and more efficient. The work zones are tight, crews have better visibility during the day, and many construction activities move faster in daylight conditions.
Night work also significantly increases costs through added lighting, labor premiums, and equipment needs. In northern Minnesota, construction contractors and suppliers also primarily operate during daytime hours, and staffing overnight operations can create additional workforce and fatigue challenges.
That doesn’t mean there won’t ever be work outside normal hours, but for most activities on Highway 197, daytime construction is generally the safest and most efficient approach.
 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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