Our goal is to keep Michigan's motorists safe, informed, and mobile. That is why MDOT offers many ways to help ease the stress of commuting by providing information that commuters want and need as they make daily travel decisions.
Did you know that millions of people visit the Great Lakes State every year? Whether you are from out of state or right here in Michigan, we want to ensure your travel throughout Michigan is informative, comfortable, and fun.
At MDOT, safety is paramount. It is our goal to improve overall safety for all road users, internal staff, contractors performing work on roads, and emergency responders.
Every year, MDOT produces an updated version of the state transportation map. The department also produces numerous geographic information system maps to assist commuters, tourists, and businesses.
In Michigan, there are three publicly-owned and operated bridges: Mackinac Bridge, Blue Water Bridge, and International Bridge. There are also two privately-owned and operated border crossings: Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
A vibrant and sustainable multimodal transportation system is vital to Michigan's future economic viability and competitiveness. From aviation to public transportation, rail, freight, and marine, MDOT is involved in all modes of transportation.
MDOT's Office of Business Development (OBD) manages external civil rights programs, such as the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, the On-the-Job Training Program, and the Small Business Program, and ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, equal opportunity requirements for contractors, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
MDOT is committed to ensuring that projects, programs and services are performed without discrimination, under Title VI.
Contractors and vendors who work on federally assisted projects are required to establish and carry out policies to assure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, national origin, age, or disability.
The Bureau of Bridges and Structures is responsible for statewide policy, procedure development, and execution to ensure all bridges and structures are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to ensure safety.
MDOT provides funding for competitive grant and loan programs primarily, but not exclusively, for state and local road agencies for the greatest impact on economic development and job creation.
MDOT's highway programs focus on the development and management of the department's roadsides, environmental efforts and policies, and federal-aid highway information.
The Bureau of Transportation Planning develops and implements a comprehensive transportation planning process which results in investments that are consistent with the policies of the State Transportation Commission.
Research Administration supports and promotes innovative research that encourages safe, sustainable and cost-effective transportation solutions throughout Michigan.
MDOT provides technologies and partnerships in order to make the transportation system safer and less congested.
MDOT has ongoing government-to-government communication with 12 federally recognized sovereign tribal governments whose lands are situated within Michigan.
The Office of Communications works with the media to inform the public of MDOT's mission, policies and practices in a positive, consistent and credible manner. The office is responsible for media relations, social media, and website development.
Public participation is integral to efficient, effective and responsive transportation decisions. At MDOT, we want to ensure your voice is not only heard, but makes a difference in moving Michigan forward.
Transportation Reality Check takes on transportation myths and misconceptions, and explains why MDOT does things the way they do.
Resources for the development of quality transportation project documents and services.
Resources for specialized engineering and technical support for construction staff.
Resources for prequalification, bid letting, contract awards, and payments.
Resources for consultant advisories, prequalification information, contracts, and proposals.
Resources for grant and economic development opportunities and project coordination.
The Real Estate Services Section of MDOT’s Development Services Division is responsible for establishing and maintaining statewide MDOT real estate standards, policies and procedures, and training.
Resources for general work zone mobility guidelines for engineering and technical staff.
Resources for rules, guidelines, restrictions, and permits to safely transport goods.
Open data refers to data that has been officially classified as public that can be made freely available for everyone to use without credentials or restrictions. MDOT promotes transparency, innovation and informed decision-making by providing datasets classified as public freely available to everyone.
MDOT's goal is to support the implementation and use of GIS software and hardware through innovative solutions that solve spatial problems and support more informed decisions about Michigan's transportation infrastructure.
The technical training (TT) course schedule lists the various technical training courses offered through the Office of Organizational Development during the construction off-season months for the local agencies and consultants.
The Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students interested in civil engineering and construction management careers, valuable experience by working with professional field staff.
MDOT's Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a rotational program that provides new engineers experience in multiple work areas while being assigned a senior-level mentor.
The Veteran Internship Program assists honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces as they transition into the civilian workforce.
The MDOT Transportation Career Pathways Program is committed to helping you build a fulfilling and rewarding career in the transportation industry, even if you're not entirely sure where to start.
The STEM Outreach Program engages high school and middle school students in solving real-world problems, such as designing bridges or analyzing the environmental effects of building a highway.
Engineering Week videos and lesson plans are all-inclusive resources to show early elementary to high school students the career of civil engineering at MDOT.
At MDOT, we are here to help. If you can't find what you are looking for in our popular topics, frequently asked questions or website search, give us a call at 517-241-2400 or fill out our contact form.
Mi Drive (Michigan.gov/Drive) is MDOT’s construction and traffic information website that helps Michigan travelers plan routes by displaying road construction, speeds, cameras, incidents, snowplow/maintenance vehicles and truck parking.
MDOT's seven region offices each handle transportation-related construction, maintenance and programs within the region's geographic boundaries.
The Office of Policy and Government Relations represents MDOT's interests as new or amendatory legislation is developed or moving through the legislative process.
Commissions and councils provide a public forum for policy development and implementation.
Policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility and integrity of the MDOT's work.
Allows MDOT's regions and engineers to expand their knowledge on how Michigan freeways are operating over time and how they compare to each other.
Transportation innovations are transforming how people and goods move by advancing safety, efficiency and sustainable mobility solutions.
MDOT and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/MI) have entered into a Partnership Charter Agreement to continue to develop an enhanced business partnership based on mutual trust, collaborative teamwork, effective communication, continuous product and process improvement, and timely resolution/avoidance of problems.
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Michigan lefts, also referred to as indirect left turns, are a common type of turn. Intersections that have Michigan lefts do not allow traditional left-turn movements. Instead, to turn left, drivers must continue straight through the intersection or turn right, then make a u-turn at a median crossover.
Michigan lefts have been part of Michigan roadways since the late 1960s.
Research has shown that Michigan lefts increase safety at an intersection by reducing the number and severity of crashes, often by 30-60 percent. They also relieve congestion, improve traffic flow, and provide easier access to businesses. With fewer crashes and congestion and increased capacity, roads with Michigan lefts function better for all road users.
Highway A traffic is prohibited from making a direct left turn onto Highway B at the intersection. Instead, drivers must continue past the intersection and turn left into the median crossover. When traffic clears, the driver will make a left turn onto Highway A and continue straight or move to the far-right lane and turn right onto Highway B. Extra pavement, or loons, may be necessary at the U-turn location to accommodate large vehicles where narrow medians are present.
Highway B traffic is prohibited from making a direct left turn onto Highway A at the intersection. Instead, Highway B must turn right onto Highway A, move to the far-left lane and turn left into the median crossover. When traffic clears, the driver will make a left turn onto Highway A and continue straight.
At some locations, Highway B is prohibited from traveling through the intersection, which can be signalized or unsignalized. In those cases, Highway B must turn right onto Highway A, move to the far-left lane and turn left into the median crossover. When traffic clears, the driver will make a left turn onto Highway A and then move over to the right lane and turn right in order to continue on Highway B.
Research has shown that eliminating left turns improves safety and traffic flow. Installing a Michigan left at an intersection is one way to limit left-turn movements, reduce the number and severity crashes and fatalities (30 to 60 percent reduction), and relieve congestion (providing 20 to 50 percent more capacity than direct left turns).
Michigan lefts not only improve safety for motorists, but pedestrians, bicyclists, and truck drivers as well.
The one downside to restricting left turns is that vehicles may be required to travel a little bit further before turning. However, smoother traffic flow and safety offset the impact of the relatively small inconvenience of driving further.
Intersections can be challenging and a major factor for stress for many drivers. This is because intersections are where vehicles, often moving very fast and in different directions, meet or cross. These potential conflict points make an intersection much more complicated and increase the chance of a serious crash or fatality, especially during left-turn movements. In fact, approximately 30 percent of all crashes in Michigan occur at intersections and nearly 58 percent of those are head-on left-turn and angle crashes. In addition, roughly 30 percent of all Michigan fatal crashes occur at intersections.
Single-lane Michigan lefts are designed for one vehicle to turn at a time. While some crossovers may appear to be wide enough to fit multiple passenger vehicles side-by-side, that extra room is actually there to accommodate larger vehicles, like tractor trailers and recreational vehicles, that need a wider turning radius. Regardless of the physical width, an unmarked median crossover should always be treated as a single-lane crossover.
Multi-lane Michigan lefts are designed for two vehicles to turn at a time. Pavement markings, such as arrows, ONLY lettering, and white solid lines, indicate that both lanes may be used to turn.
Not every intersection is created equal, and installing a Michigan left depends on a few factors, including crash history, type of road, and traffic volumes.
Before a Michigan left is installed, MDOT will study the crash history and traffic volumes at major intersections along the road to determine appropriate placement. Michigan lefts are most often used in urban situations where congestion and crashes are more common. Indirect left turns can be built on divided roads with any number of lanes (i.e., four, six or eight lanes), but they are not used on freeways or limited-access roads.
Ideal spacing for Michigan lefts is between a quarter and three quarters of a mile, but the actual distance is determined by the locations of major crossroads and driveways. Intersections with traffic signals need to be far enough apart that vehicles lined up to turn will not cause significant congestion.
Additionally, there are no absolute maximum/minimum traffic volume requirements for a Michigan left to be installed. Michigan lefts increase capacity and safety and have been used on state routes with average traffic volumes between 10,000 and 100,000 vehicles per day.
Michigan lefts also increase bicyclist safety. Bicyclists can use a Michigan left as a pedestrian, dismounting the bicycle and crossing in the pedestrian area, or as a bicyclist, riding through the Michigan left and using the designated median crossover to navigate a U-turn.
Michigan lefts are built to accommodate larger vehicles, which means safer turning for commercial vehicles. MDOT designs crossovers and medians with the local traffic in mind. In major commercial or industrial areas, crossovers need to accommodate large trucks approximately 74-feet-long with a 45-foot turning radius. This is accomplished by building a wider median or by providing paved areas on the outside edge of the roadway across from the crossovers. In residential or light commercial areas, typical crossovers are designed for vehicles 55-feet-long with a 45-foot turning radius.
