Skip to main content
Infrastructure permits

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.

Permit types

  • Utilities

    MDOT issues permits for the installation and maintenance of utilities occupying state highway right of way.

    Utility classification for use of state highway right of way

  • 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.

  • Driveways

    In accordance with Public Act 200 of 1969, 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:

    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 Public Act 200 of 1969, must comply with the administrative rules.

  • Facility crossing

    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 Special Conditions for Private Utility-Type Facilities Transverse Crossings (Form 2254).

  • Disposal earth material

    A permit from 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.

  • Seismic exploration

    Seismic exploration may be individually permitted by 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); and
    • Letter from adjacent property owner with signature providing authorization when operations are proposed in easement right of way.

  • Wireless communication

    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, at 517-241-2103.

    Small Cell Wireless Facility (SCWF)

    The Small Wireless Communications Facilities (SCWF) Deployment Act, being Act 365 of 2018, specifically Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 460.1301 thru 460.1339, provides that MDOT may, “Allow wireless services providers and wireless infrastructure providers access to the public rights-of-way and the ability to attach to poles and structures in the public rights-of-way to enhance their networks and provide next generation services.” Only small cell wireless facilities (SCWF) that occupy less than the maximum volumetric restrictions indicated in the law may be permitted.  MDOT prioritizes the use of existing utility poles and wireless support structures over any new pole or new wireless support structure.

    The following guidelines show SCWF owners how to apply for a MDOT permit when wanting to place a facility within MDOT right of way:

    Small Wireless Communications Facilities Deployment Act, being Act 365 of 2018, specifically Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 460.1301 thru 460.1339.

    PR Finder

    PR Finder is a tool used to identify if the route is a MDOT trunkline and locate the control sections (CS) for that route.  

    How to use the map:

    • Open PR Finder.
    • Zoom into the work area.
    • Click on the identify tab at the top of the map.
    • Click on PR/CS field.
    • Click on a road.
    • The control section will display in the box.

    Right of way (ROW) map

    The ROW map is a tool applicants can use to identify MDOT ROW.

    How to use the map:

    • Open ROW map. 
    • Select a county from the Title Sheet selection list.
    • Click the county of the work location.
    • Click on the circled number on the sheet.
    • A map will display the width of the MDOT ROW.

    Note: These are complex maps and drawings. For assistance, contact MDOT-ROW@Michigan.gov or call 517-599-6740.