News Release

Bemidji, Mn. -- Motorists will be pleased to hear that Hwy. 71 between Turtle River and Blackduck will be open at 8:00 p.m. today, Friday, July 26th, according to Todd Vonasek, Mn/DOT Resident Engineer in charge of construction for the Bemidji area. A detour unto county roads has been in effect for this project since May 22nd.

Vonasek cautioned that although the detour is lifted, shoulder work and turf establishment will continue and drivers need to be alert to workers still in the area. Mn/DOT expects the project to be complete by mid-August.

Mn/DOT would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during construction.