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Infrastructure Permits
MDOT receives infrastructure permit applications from individuals, local governmental agencies, organizations, and businesses. These applications, to operate or construct privately or publicly owned facilities within the state highway right of way, include the following types of facilities or operations.
MDOT permits these types of facilities or operations in a manner which does not significantly compromise the integrity of state highway right of way systems, while simultaneously providing assurance to the general traveling public for the safest transportation environment possible.
Guidelines for Requesting Alternate Use of Limited Access Right-of-Way: Nonmotorized Facilities
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Structures, Tunnels & Bridges
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Disposal Earth Material
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Driveways
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Facility Crossing
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Seismic Exploration
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Utilities
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Wireless Communication
Structures, Tunnels & Bridges
Bridges (Pedestrian, Non-Motorized and Vehicular)
Structures (On-premise Signs, Non-motorized Paths, Bus Shelters, Landscape, Wind Turbine, Solar Panels, and Electrical Charging Stations)
Permit applications for the construction of structures, such as pedestrian bridges, grade separations, tunnels, or any other item that results in a structure over or under the state highway right of way, require a design review from MDOT.
Applicants must submit an individual construction permit application package through Construction Permit System (CPS) with the following attachments:
- A copy of the engineer's structural design calculations
- Plans certified by a registered professional engineer
- Other items as required to make a structural review such as a Geotechnical Report or structural details
Additionally, the following special conditions for structures over state highways apply:
- The permit applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless MDOT for any claims whatsoever resulting from the construction, maintenance, or removal of the structure authorized by this permit, from any claims for injuries to or death of any and all persons, for the loss or damage of property, and from environmental damage degradation, response, and cleanup costs resulting from the construction or presence of the structure authorized by this permit.
- A right-of-way airspace lease agreement shall be required by MDOT prior to the placement of the structure over the state trunkline right-of-way.
- All structures serving the public within state trunkline right-of-way shall comply with the Americans with Disability Act of1992.
- The clear height of the structure’s under-clearance above the traveled roadway and road shoulders shall meet a minimum under-clearance distance of 18 feet.
- An approved permit shall be required prior to the erection of any part of the structure.
Disposal of Earth Excavation Material or Contractor's Plant Sites
A permit from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is required when a contractor would like to dispose of earth excavation materials or place a plant site within the State highway Right-of-Way.
When this activity occurs within the limits of an MDOT construction project, a permit is not required. A contractor’s disposal or storage site that is outside the project limits requires a permit. The permit applicant shall ensure the MDOT job number is entered in the Construction Permit System (CPS) to eliminate fees.
Driveways Within MDOT Right-of-Way
In accordance with PA 200 of 1969, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has the responsibility to regulate the construction of commercial and residential driveways within State highway Right-of-Way.
Applicants must submit an individual permit application package through the Construction Permit System (CPS) with the following:
- Drainage Design Checklist For Accessing State Trunklines, (Form 2484)
- Traffic Analysis, if applicable
- Traffic Impact Study, if applicable
- Preliminary review by the local planning commission, for compliance with local long-range development plans, if appropriate
A driveway constructed or reconstructed after August 6, 1969, is not lawful unless a permit has been obtained. Driveways constructed or reconstructed after June 30, 1970, which is the effective date of the rules promulgated pursuant to PA 200 of 1969, must comply with the administrative rules.
Facility Crossing at Local Road Intersection
Applications may be received for a private utility facility to cross a State highway Right-of-Way at an intersection with a roadway under the jurisdiction of a local governmental agency, when the private utility facility parallels that roadway.
Applicants must submit an individual permit application package through the Construction Permit System (CPS).
If applicant is not a public utility or governmental agency and the activity is a private utility facility installation, applicants must attach a Special Conditions for Private Utility-Type Facilities Transverse Crossings form (Form 2254).
Seismic Explorations in MDOT Right-of-Way
Seismic exploration may be individually permitted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in Free Access Right-of-Way by using the drill method, blast method, or vibroseis method. No other method shall be allowed. Only temporary placement of cable crossings shall be permitted in Limited Access Right-of-Way. Seismic exploration may not be completed using an annual permit. Annual permits shall only be used for transverse cable crossings in Free Access Right-of-Way.
Applicants must submit an individual permit application through the Construction Permit System (CPS) with the following:
- Individual performance bond in the amount of $50,000; required for each permitted activity
- Certificate of Insurance
- Specific method of operation (including the minimum depth of hole)
- Letter from adjacent property owner with signature providing authorization when operations are proposed in Easement Right-of-Way.
Utility Classification for Use of State Highway Right of Way
Use of state highway right of way by utilities shall be in accordance with Public Act 368 of 1925 and the MDOT Utility Accommodation Policy and Guidance. MDOT classifies utilities into three categories: municipal, public and private. The utility classification guidelines provide criteria for determining whether a utility is considered municipal, public or private and its allowable use of state highway right of way.
Utility Classification for Use of State Highway Right of Way
All requests for locating wireless telecommunication facilities on state properties and land shall be directed to the Telecommunications Service Manager (TSM). The TSM shall assist the carriers in completing applications, handling questions concerning antenna locations, and navigating the MDOT Permit Gateway.
For more information, contact:
Joe Rios, Statewide Construction Permit Coordinator
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-241-2103