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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Did you know that state laws require a permit whenever construction or work extends into the state’s right‑of‑way? Getting the right permits ensures your project meets safety standards, protects public infrastructure, and avoids fines or even removal of your improvements.
To obtain construction, outdoor advertising and transport permits, or for assistance with MDOT project utility coordination, contact MDOT personnel at the locations listed in on the MDOT permit contacts webpage.
Michigan state laws require permission from the governmental unit having jurisdiction of the street or highway to construct inside of the right of way line.
A trunkline is any highway or road under the jurisdiction of MDOT. State trunkline highways typically carry I, M or US designations.
If you are not sure, contact the nearest region or Transportation Service Center (TSC).
Businesses or private parties and utility companies wishing to use the highway right of way for operations other than normal vehicular or pedestrian travel are required to obtain a permit from MDOT.
Your driveway or other facility may be removed by the department, or you may be faced with possible legal action by Michigan's Attorney General.
All MDOT construction permit applications must be submitted and purchased through the MDOT Permit Gateway online service. The MDOT Permit Gateway provides access to the Construction Permit System (CPS), which is used for routine requests to construct on or occupy state trunkline highways. This includes activities such as:
If you need help completing an application, contact the MDOT Transportation Service Center (TSC) for the county where the permit will be used.
In most instances there is a fee for each permit. The exact amount will be determined upon receipt of the application or may be obtained in advance by calling the appropriate region and/or TSC office. The permit fee is non-refundable.
The annual appropriations bill for MDOT allows the department to recover its cost for reviewing and issuing a permit.
Each driveway represents a point of conflict with the through traffic on the trunkline highway. Therefore, it must be constructed in an appropriate manner and location to afford both you and other motorists the greatest possible safety.
Yes. The permit application must have a drawing or plan of your proposed driveway with its location, dimensions, and type of surface indicated.
Yes. Drainage design is an integral part of your site plan and driveway design and must be addressed before the driveway permit is issued.
Yes. The standard details of the driveway requirements for your location may be obtained from the appropriate region and/or TSC.
Yes. State law requires that a bond accompany a permit application for a commercial driveway. Your contractor can furnish the bond if you sign a certificate of agency giving the contractor the responsibility, as your agent, for completing the work satisfactorily. If you are applying for a residential driveway permit, a bond is not required.
Yes. If you are accessing a state trunkline highway you will need a driveway permit from the department, in addition to a building permit for your new building from your local governmental agency. If you are upgrading your driveway or only building a new driveway, a driveway permit may be all that is necessary.
Right-of-way occupancy agreements are required when you are constructing something other than a driveway (i.e., a private sanitary sewer or water line crossing within the right of way). Contact the appropriate region and/or TSC office before starting plans for any work within the trunkline right of way.
No. A permit is not required for a mailbox if the mailbox meets the Postmaster Generals criteria. Some ornamental boxes would not be allowed.
All specific information pertaining to your particular permit will be provided by the appropriate region and/or TSC responsible for your area of work.
