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.
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.
MDOT is committed to ensuring that projects, programs and services are performed without discrimination, under Title VI.
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.
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.
YDMP provides participants with opportunities to pursue higher education, personal growth, and exposure to transportation careers.
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.
MDOT's Office of Governmental Affairs represents the department's interests as new or amendatory legislation is developed or moving through the legislative process.
MDOT's commissions, councils, task forces, and partnerships are responsible for establishing policies, supervising programs, overseeing state and federal funds, providing recommendations and advisement, and acting as a resource.
Transportation System Performance 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 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
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:
Additionally, the following special conditions for structures over state highways apply:
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.
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:
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.
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 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:
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
