 Motorists in Bemidji will be seeing the color orange this MEA weekend and not the orange that is in the trees. Road work will be returning to Highway 197 as crews work to fix some problem spots. The orange cones already line the highway in three areas that are being targeted for repairs. Each stretch of roadway will be reduced to one lane so workers can improve the driving surface around gate valves and manhole covers. While working on the project is expected to take the next couple of days, the project won't be finished until Monday at the earliest. What it'll be is they'll do the work Thursday Friday and then with the concrete, there's cure time that goes into it. And so depending on the temperature and the weather and the sun, you know, it affects that cure rate. And so likely through the weekend, so likely Saturday and Sunday will be cure time. And then by Monday morning, Monday afternoon, it should be open back up fully. Drivers are urged to slow down, eliminate distractions and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.