The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises motorists to be prepared for traffic delays this spring and summer as work gets under way to reconstruct state Highway 197 (also known as Bemidji Avenue) from Third Street to 23rd Street in Bemidji.
MnDOT, in partnership with the city of Bemidji, will begin the project April 21. Highway 197 will be closed and detoured for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by mid-August.
The detour will begin on Second Street in front of the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce, directing traffic west to America Avenue, north on America for one block, then west to Irvine Avenue, and north to the junction with Irvine and Highway 197 (Paul Bunyan Drive).
As the official detour route, parking will not be permitted on Irvine Avenue from Fifth Street north to 21st Street. Irvine Avenue will be striped as a three-lane, with one lane in each direction for traffic and the middle lane for left turning vehicles.
Intersections will remain open at Highway 197 and Irvine Avenue and Highway 197 and 23rd Street.
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Local traffic to businesses and homes in the affected area will have access from cross streets. 10th Street and 15th Street, which cross Highway 197, will remain open for access to businesses and homes on the east side of Highway 197, including access to Bemidji State University.
Motorists need to be extremely alert for slowing and turning traffic and allow more time to get through the area. Travelers who are only passing through should use the U.S. Highway 2 bypass or other routes to avoid congestion.
Depending on the weather, the project detour is expected to be removed from Second Street to Fifth Street in time for the Jaycees Water Carnival in July.
The prime contractor is Ulland Brothers of Cloquet. The contractor plans weekly public updates throughout the project. Location, dates and times will be announced at a later date.
For statewide road condition information, dial 511 or visit www.511mn.org .
