Highway 197 Bemidji- August 5
  Crews continue pouring concrete in the driving lanes. Stage 1C is expected to be complete today. The Highway 71 intersection is expected to reopen today. Photo taken August 4.
 Crews continue pouring concrete in the driving lanes. Stage 1C is expected to be complete today. The Highway 71 intersection is expected to reopen today. Photo taken August 4.
 Crews continue pouring concrete in the driving lanes. Stage 1C is expected to be complete today. The Highway 71 intersection is expected to reopen today. Photo taken August 4.
What's happening now?
The Highway 197/71 intersection will be reopened today-August 5! Crews will continue pouring concrete in the driving lanes on Highway 197 the next few weeks in preparation for Stage 1D when traffic will begin using the "new" Highway 197 driving lanes. Stage 1D will begin with traffic in single lane in each direction as crews complete concrete work. Once traffic moves onto the new Highway 197 lanes, crews will construct the north leg of the roundabout and extend Gillette Drive.
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 1D- Traffic moves onto "new" Highway 197
Stage 1D: Mid to late-August to mid-September
Traffic moves onto the new Hwy 197 lanes while crews construct the north leg of the roundabout and extend Gillette Drive (see map). See the website for more information on the upcoming construction stages. Hwy 197 Bemidji - MnDOT
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 1D is the next traffic impact when motorists will be utilizing the "new" driving lanes on Highway 197 while crews construct the north leg of the roundabout and extend Gillette Drive. This stage is expected to begin in about 2-3 weeks (mid to late-August).
 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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