News Release

Bemidji, Mn. -- The Minnesota Dept. of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is announcing the start of Phase IV of the reconstruction of Trunk Highway 197 on the south side of Lake Bemidji beginning Monday, July 7th.

According to Jim Bittmann, Mn/DOT Project Engineer, the exact location of the project is from 1st Street to the Mississippi River Bridge. The scope of work will include grading, bituminous surfacing, curb and gutter, sidewalk, storm sewer, a bituminous trail for pedestrians and bicyclists, shoreline stabilization, signing and lighting.

Bittmann said the project will be shut down in early fall and resumed next year.

Drivers are asked to slow down and be extremely alert for changing traffic conditions. Mn/DOT would also like to remind drivers that speeding through a work zone can lead to a double fine.