Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Paving on Highway 71 south of Bemidji expected to begin next week

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Paving on the newly constructed southbound lanes of Highway 71 south of Bemidji is expected to begin early next week and should be completed Oct. 22, according to Larry Randall, MnDOT project supervisor.

Traffic will switch lanes when the paving is done. Southbound traffic will be moved from the new northbound lanes on the east side of the highway median to the new southbound lanes, at which time the final wear course will be paved on the northbound lanes.

Paving of the northbound lanes will be done under traffic with temporary lane closures. Paving is expected to be completed by Oct. 29, weather permitting.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones and plan ahead for extra travel time through work zones.

For statewide travel information, visit www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1.