Highway 197 Bemidji construction update: June 25
 Stage 1B: Highway 197 traffic using temporary bypass lane during construction. Crews completing pipe work east of Highway 71. Photo taken June 25.
 Stage 1B: Highway 197 traffic using temporary bypass lane during construction. Crews continue grading near the roundabout in preparation to begin concrete work July 6, weather permitting. Photo taken June 25.
 Stage 1B: Highway 197 traffic using temporary bypass lane during construction. Crews continue grading and gravel west of Highway 71. Photo taken June 25.
What’s happening now?
The Highway 197 project in Bemidji continues in Stage 1B. Crews are currently working on grading and gravel placement on the west side of Highway 71. On the east side, crews will be wrapping up the storm sewer and pipe work this week.
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 are currently grading and preparing the construction area for concrete work to begin in early July. Crews will NOT be working on July 3, 4 and 5. Motorists can expect the current traffic configuration to be in place until Stage 1C in late July. 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.
- No construction activities July 3, 4 and 5.
- The ATV trail on the north side of Highway 197 is in the work zone and is currently closed through the construction season.
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Please support your local businesses! During the construction, if you're trying to access a business within the work areas, check in with them on the best way to get there. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Other local construction projects:
- 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 to mid-July. Find the City of Bemidji staging maps, including current detour map here: Highway 197 MnDOT Construction
- 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.
- Beltrami County road 22 is currently under construction. This is a county project. For more information, reach out to the Beltrami County Public Works Department, 218-333-8173. Slow down and use caution in the work zone.
Highway 197 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
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 Build a Temporary Road?
One question we've heard during construction is why crews spent time building a temporary road before work began on Hwy 197.
Temporary roads allow traffic to keep moving while major reconstruction takes place. Rather than closing the highway completely, they provide a safe route around active work areas and help maintain access for residents, businesses, schools, and emergency services.
Even though they're temporary, these roads aren't simply graded gravel paths. The materials used must meet engineering specifications and quality standards to support thousands of vehicles throughout the construction season.
Building a temporary road takes time up front, but it helps reduce overall disruption and allows crews to reconstruct the permanent roadway more efficiently. Once construction is complete, the temporary road will be removed and the area restored.
It's one more example of the planning that happens behind the scenes to keep traffic moving while improvements are being made.
 Highway 197 Bemidji construction is currently in Stage 1B.
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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