Highway 197 Bemidji
 The Stage 1C detour will begin on Friday, July 17, and is expected to be in place for three weeks while crews reconstruct the south segment of the Highway 197/71 intersection.
What's happening now?
This week, crews on Highway 197 have continued working on concrete work west of Highway 71. Crews will continue with concrete work on landings, ramps and preparing to pave the multiuse trail. Paving is expected to start by mid-next week, weather permitting.
On Friday, July 17, crews will begin working on reconstructing the intersection of Highway 197 and 71, which means closure of the south part of that intersection to complete the work. As a reminder, during these operations, residents and other local traffic should continue to watch for workers, slow-moving equipment and obey traffic control.
What’s next?
Stage 1C- Reconstruct the intersection
Stage 1C (reconstruct the intersection) will include work at the south segment of the Highway 197/Highway 71 intersection. Highway 71 lanes south of the intersection will be closed beginning July 17. The closure is expected to be in place for about three weeks.
This includes a detour for all traffic, see map.
MnDOT asks motorists to continue driving with caution and paying close attention while traveling through the construction area.
Reminders:
- Traffic impacts for July 18 events on or near Hwy 197: For those attending the customer appreciation event on July 18, you can access the business using the temporary crossover on Highway 197. For those attending the car show off of Highway 197, access the event from Middle School Dr. For both events, utilize the detour below for northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 71.
- The business liaison on the project is the Bemidji Chamber. Stay connected with local businesses impacted by construction by following the Bemidji Chamber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BemidjiChamber
- Crews ask that vehicles remain on the temporary bypass lanes and do not enter the work zone.
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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.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent.
 Highway 197 construction. Photo taken July 10.
Hwy 197 Construction Schedule
Find the complete 2026 construction schedule for Highway 197 on the project website: Construction - Hwy 197 improvement project - MnDOT
Hwy 197 Bemidji - MnDOT
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