Highway 197 Bemidji- Sept. 9
We are in the home stretch for this year's construction! Highway 71 detour is underway. Temporary compact roundabouts have been installed on Hannah Ave at 30th Street and Anne Street. Motorists should pay attention and use extra caution.
  Highway 71/197 is closed on the north side of the intersection. Motorists will detour using Hannah Ave. and Anne Street. Photo taken Sept. 9.
What's happening now?
Stage 1F: Removals at Highway 71/197 intersection
Began Tuesday, Sept. 8
Duration: 2 weeks
This stage will reconstruct the north side of the Highway 71/197 intersection. The north portion of the intersection will close while this work is completed.
Traffic will be detoured using Hannah Avenue and Anne Street. Temporary compact roundabouts are being utilized at 30th Street and Anne Street to help keep traffic moving during the short-term detour.
The short-term detour began on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The north part of the Highway 71/197 intersection is currently closed to allow crews to remove the temporary lanes and reconstruct the portion of the intersection to concrete. Motorists will detour onto Hannah Ave. and Anne St. during this two-week closure.
Highway 71/197 intersection (north side)
Crews are currently completing removals in this area. Later this week, electrical work will be underway. By the weekend, crews will begin forming to prep for concrete paving next week.
Gillette Ave (north leg of roundabout)
Crews will be working on the storm sewer at the north leg this week. Grading work and prep for gravel will begin next week. Concrete paving will begin on the north leg around September 21.
Please allow extra time and use caution as everyone gets familiar with the new traffic pattern.
What’s next?
After the detour has been lifted:
After the paving is complete and cure time has been met, Gillette will open late-September.
Once the Highway 71 intersection is complete and the detour has been lifted in late-September, motorists can expect short term lane closures in the project area. This will allow crews to complete final work of snow fence, signage and landscaping. The project is still on track to be complete in early October.
As work continues, please watch for workers and slow-moving equipment and follow posted traffic control.
Visit the Hwy 197 project website for more information about upcoming construction stages.
Reminders:
- All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent.
- MnDOT asks motorists to continue driving with caution and paying close attention while traveling through the construction area.
- 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
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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?
 Motorists are currently utilizing the new Highway 197 driving lanes and roundabout. Photo taken Sept. 9.
Hwy 197 Bemidji - MnDOT
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