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.
Resources for minorities, women, and other socially/economically disadvantaged persons.
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.
Resources for local governmental agencies that regularly require access to state right of way.
Resources for 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.
TRAC 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.
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.
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 HBCU TDRP is a unique partnership between MDOT and Michigan colleges and universities to offer on-the-job training to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in engineering or transportation-related careers.
The Veteran Internship Program assists honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces as they transition into the civilian workforce.
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.
MDOT's seven region offices each handle transportation-related construction, maintenance and programs within the region's geographic boundaries.
Governmental Affairs 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 help the department implement its mission of serving and connecting people, communities, and the economy through transportation.
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.
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MDOT officials are excited at the opportunities presented by the passage of Senate Bill 744 and House Bill 5291, establishing the Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Office within the department and creating Michigan’s first maritime grant program, the Michigan Maritime & Port Facility Assistance Grant Program. Through this investment, MDOT will build upon our existing partnerships with the state’s maritime industry and help support our critical maritime assets.
Marine transportation is an essential component of Michigan’s freight transportation system. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway form a maritime transportation system extending 2,300 miles from the gulf of the St. Lawrence Seaway on the Atlantic Ocean to the western end of Lake Superior. Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline along four of the five Great Lakes contain 33 active cargo ports that ship or receive cargo. Michigan’s ports handle 51.7 million tons of cargo valued at $4.1 billion annually. It is a critical part of the overall freight transportation system and the modal diversity that is one of the state’s competitive advantages.
The maritime system is a partnership between the public and private sectors. The federal government generally maintains the infrastructure by way of congressionally authorized navigation channels, aids-to-navigation, and other marine services. The private sector typically provides the marine terminals, cargo vessels, and necessary access channels to reach the public channels. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) maintains a listing of all publicly and privately owned marine facilities throughout the state and works in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and other state agencies on issues impacting maritime navigation.
All providers receive operating assistance from MDOT’s State Operating Assistance Program through the Office of Passenger Transportation. Providers also receive capital assistance through the Federal Ferry Boat Program and the state Comprehensive Transportation Fund has been used for match. Prior to the pandemic, there were over 1 million passengers and almost 600,000 vehicles transported between the four systems. Each provider is subject to state and federal regulations, including those imposed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers.
MDOT is responsible for planning and assisting in the development of commercial marine facilities and services, providing capital or operating assistance to selected marine services, and analysis of state and federal policy and legislation concerning marine issues.
Questions? Contact MDOT-Marine@Michigan.gov.
Additional contacts
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit district
Agency responsible for construction and maintenance of congressional authorized navigation channels.
Maritime Administration (MARAD) Great Lakes Gateway Office
USDOT agency responsible for America's waterborne transportation system.
American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)
Organization representing public port authorities in U.S.
Lake Carriers Association (LCA)
Organization representing U.S. flagged Great Lakes carriers.
Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry, Inc.
Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines
Harsens Island Champion's Auto Ferry
Plaunt Transportation Company Inc.
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry Service
S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry
Star Line Mackinac Island Passenger Service
The Isle Royale Line Copper Harbor
U.S. Department of Transportation America's Marine Highway Program
