News Release

Bemidji, Minn— The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) would like to alert drivers that on Friday, August 2, 2002, traffic control devices will be put into place to narrow T.H. 197 down from four lanes (two in each direction) to two lanes (one in each direction) between Second Street and Fifth Street. The signals at Second Street will be turned off and access from T.H. 197 to Second Street will be closed. No left turns will be allowed at Third Street.

The grading contractor will begin pavement removal from Third Street to the Mississippi River bridge in the existing east bound lanes on Monday, August 5, 2002. Grading, paving and utility work will be completed by October 15, 2002 west of the bridges.

Drivers are urged to keep alert and drive with extreme caution through the construction zone.

For updated state highway road condition information, call 511 or log on to www.511mn.org Mn/DOT's new traveler information service.