Paving on Highway 71 south of Bemidji nears completion

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Paving on the newly constructed southbound lanes of Highway 71 south of Bemidji is expected to be complete Oct. 28 allowing traffic to be switched, according to Larry Randall, MnDOT project supervisor.

To accommodate the traffic switch, motorists will encounter temporary 4-way stops at the Highway 2 ramp intersections at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 until the traffic signal for the south bound traffic is activated later that day.

Motorists will experience temporary lane closures beginning Oct. 29 as crews finish paving the new northbound lanes.. All paving is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, weather permitting.

Final pavement markings and rumble strips will be installed for both north and south bound lanes beginning the week of Oct. 31.

Motorists can expect workers and equipment in the work zone for the next 1-2 weeks and intermittent lane closures with flag persons.

Beltrami County Sheriff's Dept.