Highway 197 Bemidji
 The Stage 1C detour is currently in place for about the next three weeks while crews reconstruct the south segment of the Highway 197/71 intersection.
 Crews began pouring concrete in the driving lanes on July 21. This concrete work will continue for the next two to three weeks, weather permitting.
What's happening now?
A lot of concrete, that's what's happening. Just to give you an idea, the entirety of this project, JUST on the driving lanes, includes about 8000 yards of concrete. Out of the 8000 yards, 3800 yards will be poured this year. That's a lot, eh?
This week, crews have completed removals on the south segment of the Highway 197/71 intersection. The south segment of Hwy 71/197 will likely be up to gravel by the end of this week. Concrete work has begun west of Highway 71.
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?
Continue Stage 1C- Reconstruct the intersection
Stage 1C (reconstruct the intersection) includes work at the south segment of the Highway 197/Highway 71 intersection. Highway 71 lanes south of the intersection are closed, which includes a detour for all traffic, see map.
Over the next few weeks, concrete work will be well underway. Crews will continue paving concrete west of the Highway 197/71 intersection. Simultaneously, crews will begin paving concrete at the Highway 197/71 intersection. Weather permitting, paving at the intersection will be complete prior to the Beltrami County Fair, beginning August 11.
MnDOT asks motorists to continue driving with caution and paying close attention while traveling through the construction area.
Reminders:
- 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.
Have questions?
- Call the project hotline 218-444-CONE (2663) or email 197@bemidji.org to connect with the business liaison.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent.
 Highway 197/71 intersection construction. Photo taken July 21.
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.
What are those basket things going in before the concrete is poured?
Dowel baskets are preassembled metal frames used in road construction to hold dowel bars in the correct position before concrete is poured.
Why install them?
- Reduce faulting (one section of concrete settling lower than the next)
- Improve ride quality
- Extend the pavement life
- Reduce maintenance costs
How do they work?
- They hold each dowel bar at the correct height and alignment
- Keeps spacing consistent along the joint
- Prevents movement during the concrete pour
- Makes installation quicker and more uniform
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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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