Highway 197 Bemidji
  Crews continue working in stages 1B and 1C pouring concrete in the driving lanes. Photo taken July 28.
 Crews continue working in stages 1B and 1C pouring concrete in the driving lanes. Photo taken July 28.
 Crews continue working in stages 1B and 1C pouring concrete in the driving lanes. Photo taken July 28.
What's happening now?
It's hot out there, but that doesn't slow down this concrete crew! Crews will continue pouring concrete in the driving lanes on Highway 197 the next few weeks. Concrete on the southern section of the Highway 71/197 intersection is expected to take place next week.
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 71/197 intersection. Highway 71 lanes south of the intersection are closed, which includes a detour for all traffic, see map.
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.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent.
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.
 Stage 1 construction on Hwy 197 in 2026 includes a roundabout, boulevard space and a multi-use trail on both sides of the highway. Stage 2 will begin in 2027 where MnDOT will replace the signalized intersections along Hwy 197 at Hannah Avenue and Middle School Drive.
Hwy 197 Bemidji - MnDOT
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