Highway 197 Bemidji- August 20
  Crews install pedestrian crossing signage. Photo taken August 19.
 Crews install pedestrian crossing signage. Photo taken August 19.
 Crews continue concrete work in the driving lanes. Photo taken August 19.
What's happening now?
Crews will complete most of the concrete work on Highway 197 driving lanes this week. Crews have also installed the push button pedestrian crossings this week.
Next week, landscaping work will begin along with concrete work of sawing and sealing joints, curb, gutter and the multi-use trail on the south side of Highway 197.
Motorists can expect Stage 1D to begin in the next few weeks once striping and sign installation is complete. Stage 1D includes traffic using the "new" Highway 197 driving lanes. Stage 1D will begin with traffic in single lane in some areas in each direction as crews complete concrete work, lighting installation and landscaping. 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?
Traffic moves onto "new" Highway 197: Late-August
Stage 1D: Extend Gillette Dr.
Late-August to mid-September
Once traffic moves onto the new Highway 197 lanes, crews will construct the north leg of the roundabout and extend Gillette Drive.
Stage 1F: Reconstruct Highway 71 intersection (north side)
Mid to late-September
This stage includes removals and closing the north part of the Highway 197/71 intersection to complete the reconstruction. The detour includes Hannah Avenue and Anne Street. Temporary compact roundabouts will be installed on 30th Street and Anne Street to keep traffic flowing during this short-term detour. See Stage 1F map below for details.
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.
Under the Hard Hat
Driving Through a Flashing Red Signal
During the traffic switch to Stage 1D, the signal at the Highway 71 intersection will flash red for a short time. When you see a flashing red light:
• Come to a complete stop.
• Look for other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
• Proceed through the intersection only when it is safe.
• Follow signs, barrels, and flaggers. Lane shifts and new traffic patterns may be in place.
A flashing red signal works the same as a stop sign. Stopping and checking your surroundings helps keep everyone safe during construction, especially while crews complete the traffic change.
 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 late-August.
Stage 1F will take place mid to late-September. This stage includes closing the north part of the Highway 197/71 intersection to complete the reconstruction. The detour includes Hannah Avenue and Anne Street. Temporary compact roundabouts will be installed on 30th Street and Anne Street to keep traffic flowing during this short-term detour.
 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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