 Beltrami County and MnDOT are working together to make one stretch of roadway safer. Josh Peterson shows us how the addition of more roundabouts could be in the future. With finishing touches remaining on one of Beltrami County's first of four new roundabouts, the county is looking at a golden opportunity to add one more at the intersection of Highway 71 in Irvine Avenue, north of Bemidji. Either we not do any work on that section and this roundabout happens at a later date or we push it forward and take it on as part of our project. What makes this project more appealing for Beltrami County is the timing. In 2019, MnDOT is set to resurface Highway 71. At the same time, the county is scheduled to resurface Irvine Avenue, which means both agencies could share the $1.5 million price tag. They've got their project, we've got our project and we're just working together. While the addition of the roundabout would make traffic flow smoother, the key reason is safety. Here at this intersection of Highway 71 in Irvine Avenue, memorials remain as to just how dangerous this intersection can be, which is why MnDOT and Beltrami County are working together to make improvements to the area. Those familiar with it, it has some sight distance concerns with overpass when you're northbound, trying to look north, it is not a very good sight distance there. With three more roundabouts set to be constructed this summer, motorists will have time to get used to this new type of intersection. In Babidji, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. Through the cost share, MnDOT would cover the majority of the roundabout cost with the county responsible for about $300,000. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.