The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is in the process of developing plans for proposed improvements on 7.9 miles of WIS 22 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.
Notice of Public Meeting
Please join WisDOT for a live, online Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) to discuss the proposed improvements on WIS 22 between Gillett and Oconto Falls in Oconto County. The meeting will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025 via Microsoft Teams. The intent of this meeting is to review the purpose and need for improvements and obtain comments and feedback on the proposed design.
This meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams. Project staff will share maps, displays and exhibits via a live presentation. A comment, question and answer period will follow the live presentation. You can also listen to the project presentation via audio-only if you prefer. To join the meeting:
WIS 22 live, online Public Involvement Meeting
- When: 4 p.m., Tuesday, August, 19, 2025
- For full video and audio: Access the meeting by clicking on the link below at the time of the meeting.
- For audio-only: Call into the meeting via phone. You will hear the presentation and be able to ask questions.
- Conference Call Number: (608) 571-2209, Phone Conference ID: 338975287
Project location
The project is located on WIS 22 from the divided ends of WIS 32 in the city of Gillett to E Highland Drive in the city of Oconto Falls in Oconto County.
Project purpose and need
The purpose of the project is to address roadway pavement and drainage deficiencies and continue to maintain connectivity between Gillet and Oconto Falls on WIS 22 in Oconto County.
The need for the project is to extend the service life of the roadway in order to keep this minor arterial in service and provide access to residents, businesses, and through traffic who require the use of WIS 22. The need for improvements is demonstrated by:
- Aged and deteriorated pavement and frost heaves resulting in a rough riding surface
- Outdated guardrail installations
- Failing culverts that no longer convey water as they are intended
Anticipated benefits
This pavement resurfacing will provide motorists with a smoother riding surface resulting decreased vehicle maintenance costs; an extended pavement structure life; improved safety; and reduced need for future roadway maintenance costs.
The replacement of guardrail and addition of centerline and shoulder rumble strips will further enhance the roadway safety. Replacement of four failing culverts within the project limits benefits roadway users and adjacent landowners. Two of the culverts will be upsized to reduce flooding potential of adjacent properties and roadway overtopping and potential for washouts. Additionally, these upgrades will allow for continuation of the natural drainage flow patterns that have been impeded by the failing culverts.
Proposed improvements
Proposed improvements include roadway resurfacing by milling 3-inches of the existing asphalt paving and placing 3-inches of new asphalt paving. Other improvements include:
- Replacement of four culverts
- Replacement of all guardrail within project limits
- Ditch grading
- Spot replacement of curb and gutter
- Repair locations of frost heaves
- Curb ramp replacements at sidewalks
- Resurfacing of park and ride parking lot
- Centerline and shoulder rumble strips
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View locations of project improvements on design exhibit (PDF)
Traffic impacts
There are short-term closures with detours anticipated during construction. Traffic control during construction will mostly consist of flagging operations with the roadway open for travel.
- Access to all residences and businesses will be maintained during construction.
There will be short duration closures, as needed, for culvert replacements and roundabout paving. Anticipated detour routes for WIS 22 and WIS 32 are below.
- WIS 22 detour: County Road CC to WIS 32 to County Road E to County Road C, to WIS 22
- WIS 32 detour: County Road E to County Road C to WIS 22, to WIS 32
Schedule
- Local Official and Public Involvement meetings: Summer 2025
- Environmental document: Spring 2026
- Preliminary 60% Plans Submittal: Fall 2026
- Real Estate Complete: Winter 2028
- Final Plans Submittal: Spring 2030
- Construction currently scheduled in 2031, but could be advanced to 2030.
Real estate
Right of way acquisition in the form of FEE Right of Way and Temporary Limited Easement (TLE) will be required for this project to install proper grading and erosion control at culverts and for the construction of ADA sidewalk ramps. A member of the real estate team will contact you if your property is affected.
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 Business Coordination Guide with information on:
- Planning ahead
- Keeping you and customers informed
- Tips for businesses
- Temporary business signing during construction
WisDOT’s In This Together website is located at
www.wisconsindot.gov/Together. Note: Businesses impacted by highway closures and detours will have an opportunity for temporary business signage during construction.
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 throughout the design process. Please submit comments to WisDOT using one of the following methods so that we receive them by Sept. 20, 2025 to be consider during design.
Project contact
Kurt Vogel, P.E., WisDOT Project Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
944 Vanderperren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: 920-492-7706
Email: kurt.vogel@dot.wi.gov