Gov. Tony Evers has signed a $6.6 million contract to improve 1.08 miles of State Highway 22 from Finnegan Lake Road to the Highway 22/32 intersection in the city of Gillett.
Construction begins April 7 and finishes in the fall. Highway 22 will close April 7 for the duration of construction.
Peters Concrete from Green Bay is the prime contractor.
This is a reconstruction-level improvement. Construction elements include new concrete pavement, concrete sidewalk and concrete curb and gutter; new storm sewer and culvert replacements; multiple intersection improvements; parking lanes between West Park Street and East Washington Street; and extension of the Christie Brook box culvert
Highway 22 will be closed and detoured for the duration of the project. The city has utility work with a full closure and detour currently underway, and another project south of Gillett will affect the detour routes. There will be three detour routes.
The city utility project detour is from State Highway 117 to State Highway 29 to State Highway 160 State Highway 32 back to Highway 22. After completion of the city utility project, the detour will switch to the state project detour.
The state project detour will use County Road R, County Road H, and Highway 32. During the construction of a bridge structure in Cecil, the detour will change for one month due to the detour in Cecil. The Cecil project is not part of the Gillett project.
A third detour route will use County Road E to Highway 32 to Highway 22. Access will be maintained for residents, businesses, and emergency services in the work zone. DOT 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.
This reconstruction project replaces aging infrastructure with modern standards, with a goal of enhancing safety, accessibility and quality of life in downtown Gillett. New concrete pavement, curb, gutter, and drainage systems will deliver a smoother, longer-lasting roadway, reducing maintenance needs and vehicle operating costs. Upgraded storm sewer, culvert replacements, and Christie Brook box culvert extension should improve drainage, reduce flooding risks, and support safer conditions during heavy rain.
ADA-compliant sidewalks and intersection improvements is expected to provide better accessibility and safer interactions for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Enhanced sight lines and geometry at intersections are expected to lower crash risks and improve overall traffic flow. The modernized corridor is intended to create a more attractive downtown, boosting community pride, tourism, and local economic activity.
