Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 197- Corridor Improvement

Bemidji

About the Project

Map of the Hwy 197 corridor between Gillett Drive NW and Hannah Avenue in Bemidji. MnDOT and the City of Bemidji project areas are marked, showing six planned roundabouts, the realignment of Gillett Drive NW, intersection changes at Hannah Avenue and Middle School Drive, and multi‑use trail improvements. A legend distinguishes MnDOT construction stages from City of Bemidji stages.
Map showing MnDOT and City of Bemidji project improvements along Hwy 197.

Summary of work

Between MnDOT and the City of Bemidji, six roundabouts will be constructed between 2025 and 2027. MnDOT will replace the signalized intersections along Hwy 197 at Hannah Avenue, Middle School Drive, and the Menard's access road.

The project also includes:

  • Upgraded pedestrian facilities with a 10-foot multi-use trail along both sides of the highway
  • Improved lighting throughout the corridor
  • Realignment of Gillett Drive NW
  • Turn lane improvements

Open house

Join us for an Open House on April 13 at the MnDOT Bemidji Headquarters, 3920 Highway 2 West. Two sessions will be offered, 12:30 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Stay informed throughout the project by signing up for email updates.

Project design

Visit the Construction page for construction staging maps and the full project timeline.

MnDOT Project

The new design adds a roundabout and removes the wide center median between the driving lanes. This creates space on the outside for needed bicycle and pedestrian improvements, including a multi-use trail on both sides of the highway. The project also realigns Gillette Drive to meet the new intersection.

A rendering of the Hwy 197 Stage 1 layout showing the roundabout, narrowed median area, adjusted driving lanes, and the realigned connection to Gillett Drive. Multi‑use trails are shown on both sides of the corridor.

Stage 1 construction on Hwy 197 includes a roundabout, boulevard space and a multi-use trail on both sides of the highway.

 

A collaborative effort

City of Bemidji

2026- This City of Bemidji will complete improvements along Hannah Avenue and Middle School Drive to improve safety and mobility for all users. The work includes roundabouts and new sidewalks.

MnDOT

2027- MnDOT will complete the multi-year project with improvements on Hwy 197 between Hannah Avenue and Middle School Drive. This work includes roundabouts, boulevard space and a mult-use trail on both sides of the highway.

A map of the Hwy 197 corridor showing planned improvements by MnDOT and the City of Bemidji. Roundabouts are shown at Hannah Avenue, Middle School Drive, and other intersections, along with boulevard space and multi‑use trails on both sides of the highway.

When complete, the joint MnDOT and City of Bemidji projects will enhance safety and mobility for all users along this important business corridor.

Active transportation and accessibility

Highway 197 currently has limited pedestrian and bicycle facilities, which can make it difficult for people to walk or bike along the corridor. The project will add safer crossings, sidewalks, and multi-use trails, giving people more options for traveling without a vehicle. These improvements support active transportation and help make the corridor more accessible for all users.