This website details construction operations, traffic impacts, and businesses signing information for the city of Gillett downtown reconstruction project (Project ID 9180-35-00/71) taking place in 2026.

Project location
WIS 22 from Finnegan Lake Road to the WIS 22/32 intersection in the city of Gillett, Oconto County.

• View project location on an interactive map

Project need
The existing pavement and storm sewer systems have reached the end of their useful life and require replacement. Existing pedestrian facilities do not meet ADA standards, and select intersections have deficient geometry that pose safety issues.

• For historical project design information, please see the WIS 22 Reconstruction design website.

Proposed Improvements

This is a reconstruction-level project. Construction operations include:

• New concrete pavement, concrete sidewalk, and concrete curb and gutter
• New storm sewer
• Culvert replacements
• Multiple intersection improvements (view improvements on display below)
• Parking lanes between W. Park Street and E. Washington Street
• Extension of the Christie Brook box culvert (structure # C-42-0025)
• View WIS 22 Project construction elements on a display map

Anticipated benefits

By fully replacing aging infrastructure and incorporating modern design standards, the project addresses critical needs while enhancing safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life in downtown Gillett.

• The installation of new concrete pavement, curb and gutter, and associated drainage systems will provide a smoother, more reliable driving surface compared to the existing deteriorated pavement. This upgrade extends the roadway’s service life, reduces future maintenance requirements, and lowers vehicle operating costs for motorists through decreased wear and tear.
• Replacement of the outdated storm sewer system, along with culvert replacements and the extension of the Christie Brook box culvert, will improve drainage capacity and functionality. These improvements help mitigate flooding risks, protect adjacent properties and infrastructure, and support better water flow—contributing to safer conditions during heavy rain events and benefiting emergency response capabilities.
• New concrete sidewalks constructed to current ADA standards will ensure compliant, accessible pathways for all users, including individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and families with strollers. Combined with intersection improvements to correct deficient geometry, these changes reduce potential hazards and promote safer pedestrian and vehicle interactions in the downtown area.
• Targeted intersection upgrades will address current safety deficiencies by improving sight lines, alignment, and overall geometry. These enhancements are expected to decrease the likelihood of crashes, making travel through Gillett more predictable and secure for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
• A modernized corridor also contributes to a more attractive and welcoming downtown environment, potentially benefiting community pride, tourism, and economic activity in this rural hub.

Schedule

Construction begins in spring of 2026 and is expected to finish in October 2026.

Traffic impacts

WIS 22 will be closed to thru traffic for the duration of the project. Please check back for dates and times.

• 1st detour route will use County R, County H, and WIS 32.
  • View 1st detour route on a map (pdf)

NOTE: During the construction of a bridge structure in Cecil (WisDOT Shawano County Project), the detour will change for one month due to the detour in Cecil. The Cecil project is not part of the WIS 22 Gillett project.

• 2nd detour route will use County E to WIS 32 to WIS 22.
  • View 2nd detour route on a map (pdf)

Access will be maintained for residents, businesses, and emergency services in the work zone. Through traffic will be directed to use the detour route. WisDOT will target completion dates of the project to minimize impacts to local businesses and residents. Pedestrians will also be redirected around the project utilizing existing city sidewalk.

Temporary business signing

Temporary business signing may be placed by filling out a WisDOT business signing permit. All temporary business signing needs approval via the permit before placement to ensure it is in a safe location and does not pose a visual distraction or traffic hazard. The temporary business signing permit is free. Costs associated with creating the temporary sign are the responsibility of the business.

• Click here for WisDOT’s temporary business signing instructions and a link to a fillable-form WORD application for the permit.
  • Please email or mail the free permit to any of the contacts below.

Business Resource: WisDOT’s In This Together program

WisDOT recognizes businesses located in work zones or impacted by detour routes have special needs. WisDOT’s In This Together program is offered to business, organizations and
community leaders as an idea source as they plan for road construction in their area. It includes promotional examples, case studies and a specially designed information for businesses regarding planning ahead, keeping customers informed, and temporary business signage during road closures.

• Visit WisDOT’s In This Together website for business resources.

Project information

This project will have a dedicated construction project field office and construction project leader. For construction-related questions, please contact the construction project leader. For all other questions, please contact the WisDOT project manager.

Project Construction Leader

Luke Hardinger, Project construction leader
E-mail: luke.hardinger@questllc.biz
Phone: 715-323-1306

Construction field office location

TBA

WisDOT Project Manager

Kurt Vogel, P.E., Project Manager
WisDOT Northeast Region
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 362-1732
kurt.vogel@dot.wi.gov