Bemidji Hwy 197 Traffic Moves to Bypass Lane June 4

Traffic on Bemidji's Highway 197 is now using a temporary bypass lane as construction moves to Stage 1B. This change started on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
By Newsroom | Transportation, Local News |

Bemidji, MN – The ongoing reconstruction of State Highway 197 in Bemidji has progressed to Stage 1B, marking a shift in traffic patterns and construction focus. As of Thursday, June 4, 2026, traffic is now navigating a temporary bypass lane, utilizing temporary signals at the intersection with U.S. Highway 71 and the Menards access road. This current phase, detailed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), targets the stretch of Paul Bunyan Drive between the L&M Fleet Supply entrance and U.S. Highway 71.

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The primary objective of Stage 1B, slated to last approximately three weeks from late July to mid-August, is the reconstruction of the Highway 197 lanes directly at the Highway 71 intersection. Following this, from mid-August into September, traffic is expected to transition onto the newly established Highway 197 lanes. During this latter period, crews will focus on constructing the northern exit of the planned roundabout and extending Gillett Drive.

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Shifting Lanes and Evolving Infrastructure

The move to Stage 1B follows the completion of Stage 1A, which involved setting up a temporary bypass lane. Throughout Stage 1B, both directions of traffic will operate within single lanes on these temporary routes.

MnDOT announced that information regarding project staging and detour maps is available on their website, www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy197-bemidji, and through their northwest social media channels on Facebook and X (@mndotnorthwest).

Broader Project Aims and Timeline

The Highway 197 corridor improvement project, initiated around May 4, 2026, encompasses broader goals beyond immediate traffic management. MnDOT's involvement includes the implementation of roundabouts at several key intersections: Hannah Avenue, Middle School Drive, and the Menards entrance, intended to replace existing signalized intersections. These improvements aim to provide "smoother pavement, safer intersections, upgraded utilities, and better facilities for people walking and biking," according to official project descriptions.

The city's portion of the work, set to continue over the next two summers, will address side streets like Hannah Avenue and Middle School Drive, including the construction of a roundabout at the Middle School Drive and 23rd Street intersection in 2025, and subsequently at Middle School Drive and Hannah Avenue in subsequent years.

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The overall project's progression was approved following years of planning and discussion, with municipal consent from the Bemidji City Council issued in December 2024. Concerns regarding impacts on local businesses were raised during council meetings, with suggestions for measures like landscaping buffers. The project's viability was at one point uncertain due to the status of a RAISE grant, but has proceeded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening with Bemidji Highway 197 on June 4, 2026?
Bemidji Highway 197 is moving to Stage 1B of its reconstruction. This means traffic will now use a temporary bypass lane and temporary traffic signals at the intersection with Highway 71 and the Menards access road.
Q: Which part of Highway 197 is affected by Stage 1B?
Stage 1B of the construction focuses on Paul Bunyan Drive between the L&M Fleet Supply entrance and Highway 71. This phase is expected to last about three weeks, from late July to mid-August.
Q: What will happen after the main intersection work on Highway 197?
After the intersection work is done by mid-August, traffic will move onto new Highway 197 lanes. Crews will then build the north exit of a new roundabout and extend Gillett Drive until September.
Q: What are the overall goals for Highway 197 in Bemidji?
The project aims to improve pavement, make intersections safer, update utilities, and create better paths for walking and biking. It includes adding roundabouts at Hannah Avenue, Middle School Drive, and the Menards entrance.
Q: When did the Highway 197 project start and what is the city's role?
The Highway 197 project began around May 4, 2026. The city will work on side streets like Hannah Avenue and Middle School Drive over the next two summers, including building a roundabout at Middle School Drive and 23rd Street in 2025.