MDOT helps keep Michigan motorists safe, informed and mobile by providing easy‑to‑use travel information services to support everyday commuting 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.
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MDOT’s Paint the Plow program partners with local schools and communities to promote winter driving and road safety while introducing students to transportation career opportunities. High school students create original artwork on an MDOT snowplow blade based on a statewide safety theme. Finished plows are used during winter snow removal on state trunklines across Michigan.
Review the program guidelines to learn more about MDOT's Paint the Plow program.
Show your school spirit and promote winter safety with MDOT's Paint the Plow program. All Michigan middle and high schools, as well as educational organizations, are invited to design snowplow blades that encourage safe winter driving and showcase student creativity.
Applications for the 2027-2028 program will open in March 2027. Information on the upcoming theme and application process will be available before the application period begins.
Students from Heritage High School transformed a snowplow blade into a winter safety mural featuring the message "See Snow? Go Slow." The artwork uses school-themed imagery, including a rabbit, turtle and Go Hawks slogan, to encourage motorists to drive cautiously during winter weather as part of the MDOT Paint the Plow program.
Students from Cass City Jr./Sr. High School created a colorful snowplow design featuring a cardinal bundled in winter clothing, a snowy landscape and the message, "See Snow? Go Slow!" The artwork reminds drivers to reduce speed and use caution during winter storms through the MDOT Paint the Plow program.
Students from Coloma High School created a colorful snowplow design featuring a cardinal bundled in winter clothing, a snowy landscape and the message, "See Snow? Go Slow!" The artwork reminds drivers to reduce speed and use caution during winter storms through the MDOT Paint the Plow program.
Students from Belding Middle School designed a bold winter safety message featuring the school's Black Knight mascot and the slogan, "See Snow? Go Slow!" The eye-catching artwork encourages motorists to slow down and drive cautiously during snow and ice conditions through the MDOT Paint the Plow program.
Students from Airport High School created a snowplow design showcasing a winter landscape filled with wildlife, a winding roadway and a snowplow truck. The artwork promotes safe winter driving while highlighting the natural beauty of Michigan as part of the MDOT Paint the Plow program.
Applications for MDOT's Paint the Plow program opens in early spring. Schools can apply by completing the online form, including a drawing or image of proposed artwork, by the deadline. Submissions must be completed by an authorized school contact (not a student).
The Paint the Plow program is open to high schools and high school-level technical schools in most counties throughout Michigan.
Only students who are currently enrolled in the applicant school may participate in the execution and completion of the art project.
School officials, such as faculty, general staff and/or administrators, may direct the selection of the design and students; however, they are not permitted to implement the design or participate in the performance of the work.
MDOT will select a new safety theme each year and will announce it when the application window opens up. Students are encouraged to create a design that incorporates this theme while also incorporating imagery that embodies their school’s unique characteristics, parts of school life that they enjoy or in which they take pride. They may also include patriotic, state/local or weather-related motifs.
Students may incorporate their school’s logo, emblem or mascot into the design.
Artwork must be original and in good taste; anything deemed inappropriate or not original will be precluded from the program at the sole discretion of MDOT.
Only non-partisan, non-political and non-violent material will be accepted.
MDOT will deliver an approximately 12-foot-long, 4-foot-high plow to a secure location at the school as specified by the school’s staff at no cost.
MDOT does not provide painting supplies/materials (including paint) or financial assistance for this program. Reaching out to local booster clubs or social organizations for support is permissible.
Selection of paint materials is up to the students and faculty; however, consideration should be given to durable, enamel paints that will provide for coverage and better wear. A final clear coat is optional and may help the life of the paint and design.
