The MnDOT construction project on Highway 71 between Highway 197 and Winter Sumac Road in Bemidji will move to Stage 2, Phase 1 of the project, on Monday, June 6. Crews will begin construction of the roundabout at Anne St., as well as begin paving the southbound lanes between Winter Sumac Rd. and Highway 197.
Highway 71 will remain open to thru traffic throughout construction. Motorists can expect lane closures, delays, and intersection detours along the various construction stages. Patients and visitors to Sanford Health are encouraged to allow extra time to travel for appointments.
“This project is very complex,” said Patrick Hopkins, MnDOT Project Engineer. “We do understand the inconvenience to motorists during construction. However, we are working closely with local businesses and Sanford to be sure folks know where we are working each week and how to navigate safely and efficiently through this construction season,” said Patrick Hopkins, MnDOT Project Engineer.
Stage 2, Phase 1 traffic impacts:
- Anne Street: Closed at Highway 71, detour onto Fern St.
- Hwy 71: Southbound lanes will be closed.
- Traffic shifts to head-to-head traffic on northbound lanes.
- Highway 71 southbound traffic will not be able to access the Irvine Ave. off-ramp. Detour routes include Glidden Rd. and Lakewood Dr., dependent on construction at those intersections. Signs will be posted directing traffic.
- Expect delays.
- Hwy 197: Temporary lane closures on Hwy 197 westbound lanes at Hwy 71 intersection. Expect delays.
- Winter Sumac Rd.: Shoulder work at Winter Sumac Rd., expect delays.
- Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route when possible during construction.
- Speed limits are reduced throughout the entire project, follow posted speed limit signs.
Project benefits and cost
Benefits of the project include a safer road, smoother and longer-lasting driving surface, as well as intersection and pedestrian improvements to enhance safety for all users. Studies show an 86 percent decrease in fatal crashes at roundabouts and a 70 percent reduction in fatalities where J-turns are used. To learn more about roundabouts or how a J-turn works, and review their safety benefits, visit MnDOT’s Roundabout web page or MnDOT’s Reduced Conflict Intersections web page.
Knife River is the contractor for the $16.6 million project. Construction is scheduled to be completed in October. Start and end dates could change due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.
Work zone reminder
- Slow down when approaching every work zone
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits; the fine for a work zone violation is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient and expect delays, especially during peak travel times
For more information on projects in northwest Minnesota, follow MnDOT on Facebook at https://facebook.com/groups/MnDOTnorthwest and on Twitter at @mndotnorthwest. For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.
