Motorists will encounter slow or stopped traffic on both directions of Highway 371 between Brainerd and Nisswa as the road is reduced to a single lane and flaggers control traffic from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19.

Minnesota Department of Transportation officials said the closures are needed to accommodate increased traffic and shuttle busses for the Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Hole-in-the-Day Bay on Gull Lake.

Fishing contest participants and spectators are encouraged to use the two shuttle bus service locations. The shuttles are located at Brainerd International Raceway, just north of Baxter, and at the temporary parking lot at Highway 371 and the north junction of Crow Wing County Road 77 in Nisswa. The busses will run from 8 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m.

The State Patrol will provide increased patrols and DWI enforcement to support local law enforcement agencies throughout the event.

Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution and be prepared to stop as they navigate the area.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.