 Highway 197 temporary bypass paving operations. Photo taken June 1.
 Highway 197 temporary bypass paving operations near eastern project limits. Photo taken June 1.
 Highway 197 temporary bypass paving operations facing western project limits. Photo taken June 1. Traffic will switch to new temporary bypass lanes on June 4, weather permitting.
Highway 197 Bemidji construction update: June 2
The Highway 197 project in Bemidji will move into Stage 1B on Thursday, June 4, weather permitting. As part of this transition, traffic will shift onto the newly constructed temporary lanes.
Motorists should plan for lane closures, reduced speeds, and expect delays during the traffic shift. The temporary lanes will carry single‑lane traffic in each direction throughout Stage 1B.
This stage includes full reconstruction of the highway and the installation of a new roundabout at the Menards intersection. A regional truck detour will remain in place to support heavy vehicle traffic. Additional short-term detours for all motorists are planned later this summer during stages 1C and 1F; each is expected to last approximately two to three weeks.
What’s next?
During the week of June 8, crews are scheduled to begin removals in Stage 1B, in preparation of constructing the roundabout at the Menards entrance. 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 1B: June 4 to late-August
- Traffic impact: Utilize temporary bypass, temp signals at Hwy 71 and Menards access road.
- Regional truck detour (see map)
Have questions?
- Call the project hotline 218-444-CONE (2663) or email 197@bemidji.org 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
 Highway 197 Bemidji construction will begin Stage 1B on June 4, weather permitting.
 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.
How do pedestrians cross a roundabout?
For pedestrians:
• Use only marked crosswalks and stay on designated walkways
• Cross one direction of traffic at a time
• Use the median island as a halfway point to safely check for approaching traffic before completing your crossing
• Follow flashing RRFB beacons when they are activated
For drivers:
• Come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
• Wait until pedestrians are safely clear of your lane before proceeding
• Never pass a vehicle that is stopped or slowing for a crosswalk
Why this design works:
Roundabout crossings are designed as a two-stage crossing to simplify pedestrian movements and reduce the amount of traffic pedestrians interact with at one time.
For more information about pedestrians and roundabouts, visit:
mndot.gov/roundabouts
 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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