News Release

Bemidji, MN. --- The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is advising drivers to be alert to changes in the flow of traffic on Trunk Highway 197, also known as Paul Bunyan Drive, in Bemidji.

According to Jim Bittmann, Mn/DOT Project Engineer, "work continues on Highway 197 on the southside of Lake Bemidji and motorists need to continue to drive cautiously through the area." Bittmann said, "The right lane and right turn lane on the northbound lanes were opened on Wednesday morning." He added," although the road is open to traffic, work will continue periodically throughout the winter and this could cause temporary lane closures." The work will consist of striping, lighting and shoreline stabilization.

Mn/DOT cautions drivers to slow down and be alert for slowing and turning traffic.

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Drive Smart. Drive Safe.