Roundabout at the Menards intersection in Bemidji

Highway 197 Bemidji project moves to stage 1B on June 4

Bemidji, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today that the Highway 197 corridor improvement project in Bemidji will move into Stage 1B on Thursday, June 4, weather permitting. As part of this transition, traffic will shift onto the newly constructed temporary lanes.

Motorists should plan for lane closures, reduced speeds, and expect delays during the traffic shift. The temporary lanes will carry single‑lane traffic in each direction throughout Stage 1B.

This stage includes full reconstruction of the highway and the installation of a new roundabout at the Menards intersection. A regional truck detour will remain in place to support heavy vehicle traffic. Additional short-term detours for all motorists are planned later this summer during stages 1C and 1F; each is expected to last approximately two to three weeks.