The Bemidji City Council discussed roundabouts and more road work during their meeting Monday. The work session was entirely informative, no formal action was taken.
MnDOT is planning one roundabout and several reduced conflict intersections along Highway 71.
The roundabout is planned for Anne Street, and MnDOT will pay to reconfigure Hannah Avenue, moving it away from the highway so it will line up with Minnkota Avenue.
Construction on Highway 71 is set to begin next year.
Further down the road is Highway 197.
The council scrapped a plan in 2018 for MnDOT to construct six roundabouts along the business corridor, and a citizen committee was formed to work toward a plan that meets the state’s and the businesses’ needs.
Joe Davore says the 23-plus member group is looking at all possible compromises.
The reconstruction of that corridor is set to take place in another five to six years.
The citizen group has a goal to present a vision for the corridor this September.
