Reconstruction and detour of Highway 197 in Bemidji starts April 21; public information meetings scheduled

BEMIDJI, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Transportation cautions motorists to be prepared for traffic delays this spring and summer as work gets underway to reconstruct Highway 197 (also known as Bemidji Avenue) from Third Street to 23rd Street in Bemidji.

Mn/DOT, in partnership with the city of Bemidji, will begin the project on Monday, April 21. The affected area of Highway 197 will be closed with traffic detoured onto Irvine Avenue for the duration of the project. All residents living along Irvine Avenue are reminded that no parking will be allowed on the street.

The public is invited to weekly public information meetings beginning Thursday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at the Mn/DOT Headquarters, 3920 Highway 2 West, Bemidji. Beginning Thursday, April 24, and every Thursday for the duration of the project, all public information meetings will be held at 8:30 a.m. at Mn/DOT. A project Web site will also provide weekly updates at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d2/construction197.html.

For statewide road condition and construction information, dial 511 or log on to www.511mn.org.

Bemidji Capital for a Day

2008 is the 150th anniversary of statehood for Minnesota; May 11, 1858 Congress passed the bill for statehood. August 29, 2007 marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Minnesota Constitution, creating the Office of the Secretary of State. In this commemoration, Secretary Ritchie is emphasizing efforts to enhance civic education and engagement; as we appreciate the development of our democracy over the past 150 years, we also recognize the need to do to more to fully realize the promise of democracy in Minnesota.

Bemidji was nominated as Capital for A Day for the Coniferous Region.  Special events are being planned for May 12, 2008.

www.ci.bemidji.mn.us