Submitted Photo A map shows access points around Minot High School and Jim Hill Middle School during 16th Street construction.

Due to unforeseen construction delays, the intersection of 16th Street and 11th Avenue Southwest, along with the connecting stretch of 16th Street north to Burdick Expressway, will not reopen to traffic by the start of the school year on Wednesday, Aug. 20 as previously planned, according to the Souris River Joint Board.

This will impact school transportation, particularly for families, staff and buses accessing Minot High School, Magic

City Campus, and surrounding neighborhoods. The project team reports it is working closely with the City of Minot and Minot Public Schools to communicate this change and help minimize disruption.

In the meantime, the 16th Street/Burdick Expressway intersection and all access points to Minot High School remain open. Another update will be issued once the new reopening date for the 11th Avenue Southwest intersection and the stretch of 16th Street to Burdick is confirmed.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use alternate routes when possible. The public is also urged to slow down and exercise caution near construction zones to ensure the safety of both crews and the public.