BEMIDJI — The Minnesota Department of Transportation has reopened U.S. Highway 71 between Turtle River and Tenstrike, which has been closed to thru-traffic since May for reconstruction.
As Highway 71 reopens, Beltrami County Road 23 will close at Highway 71 to allow crews to complete intersection work.
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Monday, Oct. 5, crews began placing the final lift of pavement under traffic. On Tuesday, Oct. 6, MnDOT said to expect morning delays near Turtle River Lake Road as crews pave northbound Highway 71 and the intersection. Motorists are asked to watch for flaggers and a pilot car.
Work will take a few hours, and long delays are likely; motorists should use an alternate route to access County Road 23.
County Road 23 will remain closed until later this week while crews complete the widening of the intersection.
The project includes pavement reconstruction, a southbound bypass lane at Turtle River Lake Road, and entrance culvert replacements.
Knife River Materials is the prime contractor for the $8.8 million project.
In its update, MnDOT thanked residents, businesses and the traveling public for their patience and commitment to safety during construction.
It also reminds moto...