News Release

Bemidji, MN. --- The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) would like to inform the public that the old Trunk Highway 197 bridge over the Mississippi River in Bemidji will be removed by blasting next week.

According to Duane Hill, Mn/DOT Northwest District Bridge Engineer, the demolition of the old bridge will be conducted on Tuesday, December 3rd and Wednesday, December 4th between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Hill said, "traffic will be stopped prior to each blast so the public should be prepared for short delays on these days." Hill cautioned motorists to slow down, as flaggers will be on site to stop traffic and keep people out of the blast zone.

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