The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements on 7.46 miles of WIS 22 between Oconto Falls and Oconto in Oconto County. The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the proposed improvements, describe the potential impacts it would have on the community, and offer an opportunity for public comment.
Project location 
There are two projects locations. Overall, the project is between Oconto Falls and Oconto in Oconto County.
- Project 9180-26-71 (top display) begins on the east side of the Military Road intersection and extends to the Copper Culture Way intersection.
- Project 9180-26-70 (bottom display) begins on WIS 22 from approximately 0.26 miles west of the Escanaba & Lake Superior railroad crossing and extends to the east side of the Military Road intersection.
Project purpose and need
The purpose of the project is to address deteriorated pavement and drainage culverts and continue to maintain connectivity between Oconto Falls and Oconto by extending the service life of WIS 22.
Proposed improvements
Proposed improvements include the following:
- Concrete pavement repair
- Railroad pavement approach replacement
- Cold-in-place recycling of asphalt pavement
- Asphalt shoulder replacement and widening
- Curb and gutter replacement at spot locations
- Culvert replacement at 1 location
Anticipated benefits
The anticipated benefits of this WIS 22 resurfacing project are multifaceted, addressing both immediate roadway conditions and broader user needs.
- By milling and replacing the current pavement with new asphalt, conducting concrete repairs in other locations, and replacing the railroad approaches, the project will deliver a significantly smoother riding surface for motorists, reducing vehicle wear and tear, minimizing vibrations, and enhancing overall comfort and fuel efficiency during travel.
- This resurfacing will substantially extend the pavement's service life, preventing further progression of longitudinal and transverse cracking that currently compromises ride quality and accelerates deterioration of the underlying base layers.
- By rehabilitating rather than fully replacing the roadway, the project leverages existing materials (especially through cold-in-place recycling) to achieve substantial lifecycle cost savings for taxpayers while avoiding more disruptive and expensive future interventions.
- Collectively, these enhancements will result in a safer, more reliable, and more sustainable segment of WIS 22 for all users.
Traffic impacts
WIS 22 will be closed and detoured to through traffic from Younger Road to US 141 during concrete pavement repairs.
- The detour is tentatively proposed to use County I, County A and US 141.
- Overnight closures of WIS 22 from US 141 to Military Road and the US 141 on and off-ramps will occur during concrete pavement repairs.
- Access to adjacent properties and for emergency responders will be maintained.
- WIS 22 will be open to traffic under flagging operations from Military Road to US 41.
Schedule
- Public Involvement: February/March 2026
- Environmental Document: Spring 2026
- Preliminary Design: 2026
- Final Design: 2027
- Construction: 2028
Real estate
Real estate acquisition is not anticipated.
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 Business Coordination Guide with information on:
- Planning ahead
- Staying informed and keeping customers informed
- Tips for businesses
- Temporary business signing during construction
- Businesses impacted by highway closures and detours will have an opportunity for temporary business signage during construction.
- WisDOT’s In This Together website is located at
www.wisconsindot.gov/Together.
Public input/comments
Your comments assist us in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public as well as the needs of the local community and are welcomed and appreciated. Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by the comment date to be considered during design.
- Fill out the comment form attached to the project handout below and mail to WisDOT.
- Email comments or questions to the contact listed below.
- Call the contact below.
Project contact
Kurt Vogel, P.E.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: (920) 362-1732
Email:
kurt.vogel@dot.wi.gov