Highway 197 Bemidji construction update: July 1
 Stage 1B: Highway 197 traffic using temporary bypass lane during construction. Crews grading, and preparing for concrete. Photo taken June 30.
 Stage 1B: Highway 197 traffic using temporary bypass lane during construction. Crews grading, and preparing for concrete. Photo taken June 30.
 Stage 1B: Highway 197 traffic using temporary bypass lane during construction. Crews grading, and preparing for concrete. Photo taken June 30.
What’s happening now?
Crews are currently grading and prepping for concrete to begin the week of July 6.
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?
Concrete work will start next week with curb and gutter, inner and outer rings of the roundabout, and medians. Motorists can expect additional heavy equipment to be moving through the construction zone once concrete work begins. 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.
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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.
 The City of Bemidji project completes roundabout near Target entrance. Paving will begin later next week. Middle School Dr. and the south section of Hannah Ave. are expected to open mid-July.
Other local construction projects:
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The City of Bemidji project is well underway and making progress. Next week, the City will be working on paving, striping and signing Middle School Dr. and Hannah Ave. They are planning to have those roads open to traffic mid-July.
Find the City of Bemidji staging maps, including current detour map here: Highway 197 MnDOT Construction
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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.
 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 construct a multi-use trail?
As part of the Highway 197 corridor project, crews are constructing a 10-foot multi-use trail along both sides of the highway
Building a multi-use trail as part of the Highway 197 project provides several community and safety benefits, especially in an urban setting like Bemidji.
• Improves safety for all users. A separated trail gives people walking, biking, or using mobility devices a designated space away from vehicle traffic. This reduces conflicts at driveways and intersections and provides a predictable path for everyone.
• Supports ADA compliance and accessibility. A multi-use trail allows MnDOT to meet ADA standards for width, grades, and surface quality. This creates a smoother, more accessible route for people using wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, or other assistive devices.
• Enhances connections to local destinations. Trails link neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and schools. In an urban corridor with frequent destinations, a multi-use trail helps people travel safely and comfortably without needing a vehicle.
• Increases transportation options. The trail expands choices for how people move around the community. It supports walking and biking for short trips, recreation, and commuting, which can reduce congestion and improve health.
• Provides a consistent, predictable facility. Urban corridors often have narrow shoulders or discontinuous sidewalks. A multi-use trail offers a continuous, uniform facility that meets modern design standards, making the corridor easier to navigate.
• Supports economic vitality. Trails attract people to local businesses and improve the overall experience of traveling along the corridor. Well-designed pedestrian and bicycle facilities can make commercial areas more inviting.
• Improves long-term sustainability. Encouraging active transportation helps reduce emissions and supports MnDOT’s long-term goals for environmental stewardship and resilient infrastructure.
 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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