Highway 197 Bemidji- Sept. 23
The Highway 71/197 intersection work is nearly complete, allowing the detour to be lifted. Work is underway on Gillette Drive to realign it with the north leg of the roundabout.
 Crews continue concrete work at the north leg of the roundabout. Photo taken Sept. 23.
 Crews continue concrete work at the north leg of the roundabout. Photo taken Sept. 23.
 Highway 71 detour has been lifted. Photo taken Sept. 23.
What's happening now?
The north section of the Highway 71/197 intersection is now open to traffic and the detour has been lifted. Crews are currently prepping the north leg of the roundabout (Gillette Dr.) for paving later this week. After the paving is complete and cure time has been met, Gillette will open late-September.
What’s next?
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.
Crews are also currently working on final concrete paving of sidewalks and signal foundations. There are still some removals that will also take place as we near the end of the construction season.
Motorists can still expect lane closures and short term traffic impacts over the next few weeks. Crews will remove the remaining temporary signals and install the permanent signals. Motorists will encounter delays at the intersection of Highway 71/197.
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.
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?
Hwy 197 Bemidji - MnDOT
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