News Release

Bemidji, MN. --- The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is asking motorists and pedestrians to be alert to changes in the construction zone of State Highway 34 in Park Rapids.

A detour from Western Avenue to Helten Avenue on Highway 34 is currently in effect and is expected to last 6-8 weeks. West bound traffic is routed north on Western Avenue to Monico Lane, east to Helten Avenue and south to Highway 34. Traffic from the opposite direction will follow the detour in reverse.

Underground utility work, which consists of water, storm and sanitary sewer, is scheduled to begin today on Highway 34 between Western and Helten Avenues while work on the underground utilities continues on the east bound lanes of Highway 34 from Fair Avenue to Riverside Avenue.

Miscellaneous sidewalk, curb and gutter work continues between Main Avenue and Washington Avenue. In addition, grading work continues on the Township Road re-alignment south of the Highway 34 and County Highway 4 intersection at the east end of the project.

Also, the signal system at State Highway 34 and 71 is scheduled to be activated today.

Mn/DOT would also like to remind the public that access to all businesses in the area remain open.

For updated road condition information, dial 511 or log on to www.511mn.org.