Tree clearing for the Highway 22 and Highway 109 project in Wells begins March 2

MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin tree removal on Highways 22 and 109 in Wells on March 2, ahead of construction.

Motorists should expect shoulder and intermittent lane closures, and watch for flaggers, during the tree clearing operations. The work is expected to take approximately a week to complete. Motorists should remove distractions and be aware of workers in the area.
The trees need to be removed early in the year to prevent protected bats from making their homes in the trees, as required by law.

The tree removal is preliminary work for the 2026-27 reconstruction of Highways 22 and 109 in Wells. Construction is expected to begin in mid or late April and continue through fall 2026, weather permitting. Traffic will be detoured during construction. The project includes pavement and utility improvements, upgraded bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, and new safety features such as slightly narrower lanes, intersection changes, curb extensions, and bike lanes.

Ulland Brothers was awarded the project with a bid of $16,379,813.06.

Construction open house

The public is invited to attend a construction open house on Thursday, April 2, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Wells Community Center, 189 2nd Street SE. There will be no formal presentation, and people are welcome to stop by at their convenience during the open house. Staff from MnDOT and the contractor will be available to answer questions about the project, construction timelines, and detour routes.

Visit the project website for more information, detour maps, and to sign up for email updates.

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