 Stage 1B: Highway 197 traffic using temporary bypass lane during construction. Photo taken June 9.
 Highway 197 temporary crossover. Photo taken June 9.
Highway 197 Bemidji construction update: June 10
The Highway 197 project in Bemidji has now entered Stage 1B of the project. Traffic configuration includes using the temporary bypass on the north side of Highway 197. Stage 1B is expected to last through late August.
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?
Crews have begun removals in Stage 1B, in preparation of constructing the roundabout at the Menards entrance. For the next few weeks, work will include removals, storm sewer and pipe work up to the west side of the Highway 71/197 intersection. MnDOT asks motorists to continue driving with caution and paying close attention while traveling through the construction area.
Reminders:
- Crews ask that vehicles remain on the temporary bypass lanes and do not enter the work zone.
- 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.
- As part of an upcoming new city bike trail project along 5th Street NW, the existing railroad track crossing at 5th Street NW will be replaced and requires a full closure of 5th Street NW from Jefferson Avenue NW to Park Avenue NW. The road closure will begin on Monday June 22nd, 2026 and the street is anticipated to be back open to traffic by Friday the same week. A detour route will be signed to take motorists around the construction area by using Adams Avenue NW, 15th Street NW, and Irvine Avenue NW.
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 is currently in Stage 1B.
The original concrete surface, which was placed on sand in the 1940s, was uncovered during the removal of the existing bituminous layer. One of the crew members took this photo to show the original concrete roadway.
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 reconstruct? Why not just mill and overlay?
The challenge here is that Highway 197 needs more than pavement work alone. If the only issue was a pavement condition, you'd be right, a mill and overlay project would have been a better solution.
However, this corridor has aging infrastructure, safety concerns, traffic operation challenges, access management issues, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity needs, and long term growth considerations that resurfacing alone would not solve. The corridor also had crash rates and traffic patterns that warranted a closer look at how the entire system functions, not just the pavement surface.
This project wasn’t developed quickly or by one person deciding to add roundabouts. There were multiple years of corridor studies, engineering analysis, public meetings, community review panels, traffic modeling, stakeholder engagement, and design revisions that went into building the final concept.
This project grew beyond a resurfacing project because the corridor needs themselves were bigger than pavement alone.
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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