Temporary roundabouts to be installed ahead of Highway 71 detour in Bemidji

Highway 197 project prepares for final stage of 2026 construction

Bemidji, Minn. – Motorists will experience additional traffic changes around the Highway 197 construction project beginning Thursday, Sept. 3, as crews prepare for the final stage of 2026 construction according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Crews will construct two temporary compact roundabouts along the upcoming detour route. The roundabouts will be located on Hannah Avenue at 30th Street and Hannah Avenue at Anne Street. They are being installed to help traffic move through the intersections during the Highway 71 detour.

The detour for Highway 71 between Highway 197 and Anne Street will begin mid-morning Tuesday, Sept. 8, after the start of the school day. Because it is also the first day of school, crews are waiting until after morning school traffic has cleared before putting the detour into place.

During the detour, motorists will use Hannah Avenue and Anne Street. The detour is expected to remain in place for approximately two weeks while crews complete the final stage of 2026 construction.

For detailed staging information and detour maps, please visit www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy197-bemidji.

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