News Release

Bemidji, Minn—The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is announcing that the first phase to reconstruct Highway 197, also referred to as the Midway Drive corridor, on the south side of Lake Bemidji is getting underway on Monday, August 6th.

Highway 197 is currently an undivided four-lane, but when the full project is complete in 2003, motorists will be driving on a divided highway, with traffic moving north in the present highway location and traffic moving south on the old Midway Drive. The project will also include the construction of a new bridge over the Mississippi River.

According to Jim Bittmann, MnDOT Project Engineer, "Mn/DOT is closing the old Midway Drive to begin utility work connected with the project and the street is expected to remain closed until early October." Bittman added, "motorists are advised to be extremely cautious in the area and be alert to sudden traffic stops and turning vehicles."

Thorson Inc. of Bemidji is the prime contractor on this phase of the project.

Any questions regarding the project schedules can be directed to Jim Bittmann at 218- 755-2592 in the Bemidji office.