Whether we like it or not, orange barrel season is right around the corner in Wisconsin. Roads across the state will soon come under construction and orange barrels will pop up like bulbs in the garden.

Depending on the type of project, communities can prepare in advance for the project and the impact it could have on residents, tourists, and local businesses. In Gillett, Wisconsin, the community has been preparing for several years in anticipation of a larger road project right through the heart of the city.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has scheduled a reconstruction project on State Highway 22 through Gillett, tentatively scheduled to begin in spring 2026. The 1.08-mile project will address deteriorating road conditions within the community and require a posted detour for this rural Oconto County community.

East Washington Street lies just outside the WisDOT project limits and is a major entry into the city for motorists and truck traffic alike.

In April 2022, the City of Gillett received $1,466,000 through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program for sewer and water system improvements on East Washington Street. The state also provided funds for new curb and gutter, culvert replacements, and new asphalt pavement. The East Washington Street project was completed on budget in December 2023 and is open to traffic.

Alderperson Jerry Luther said the street looks very nice and helps prepare the city for the upcoming reconstruction of State Highway 22 through and around Gillett.

“With the project coming up…for people who will be coming into town from that end, it looks welcoming,” Luther said. “It looks like a city.”

Once crews start work on the State Highway 22 project, the city of Gillett will use an additional $2,292,000 through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program to make sewer and water improvements while the road is torn up.

The USDA grant will cover new water mains, hydrants, sanitary sewer, manholes, and connections to cross-street sewer mains. The improvements will benefit more than 1,300 rural people. Together, both projects will provide better water flow for emergency fire rescue, reduce maintenance costs, reduce potential for flooding, and provide additional capacity to reduce inflow and infiltration.