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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The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, as amended, Part 811, specifically MCL 324.81101 and MCL 324.81131, now provides that MDOT may authorize the operation of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on a highway, other than an interstate highway, subject to the requirements and restrictions of the law, and at the discretion of MDOT.
ORV connector routes are intended to provide ORV riders a legal point of access to communities, attractions and services near existing ORV routes when there are no other reasonable or viable non-highway alternative routes available. ORVs are only allowed to travel within specific approved segments of state highway right of way. Safety is MDOT's top priority when approving these segments. State law does not open up all state highway right of way to ORV use.
Only the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) or a local unit of government may request MDOT to authorize the operation of ORVs on a segment of state trunkline. ORV clubs and trail groups interested in establishing connector routes must work through a local unit of government.
All MDOT permit applications for ORV connector routes should be submitted through the MDOT Permit Gateway. MDNR and local units of government should refer to Instructions for Governmental Agencies, Schools and Colleges to set up the account.
Process for Requesting ORV Connector Routes
Guidelines for Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Connector Routes on State Trunkline Highways
Special Conditions for Authorized ORV Connector Routes on State Highways (Form 3764A)
Resolution to Request Authorization to Adopt an ORV Ordinance (Form 2207F)
Context Sensitive Solutions for Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Routes (Form 3764B)
Environmental Requirements for Activities within MDOT Right Of Way (Form 2486)
The law allows MDOT to authorize ORV's to travel within approved sections of MDOT right of way. The intent of the legislation is to promote economic development and provide ORV links to essential services and approved ORV trail systems.
A request for an ORV connector route can only be made by the MDNR and/or the local unit of government (LUG) in which the connector is proposed to be located. If the proposed connector crosses jurisdictional boundaries but lies in one county, the law permits a county to make a request on behalf of one or more LUGs. If the proposed connector route crosses jurisdictional boundaries into two or more counties, a separate request shall be required from each county. Interested citizens or ORV clubs must contact the appropriate LUG to propose a new ORV connector route.
The submittal of an official request to MDOT is a multi-step process that includes: solicitation of comments, a MDOT permit application, a LUG resolution, and other required documents and processes. Please see the MDOT Process for Requesting Off Road Vehicle (ORV) Connector Routes on State Trunkline Highways document for detailed instructions and guidance for this process.
No, MDOT does not change other governmental agencies any fees for permit applications.
The permit applicant is responsible for all costs related to creating, operating and maintaining the ORV connector route within the state trunkline highway including; installing and maintaining signs, any construction or improvements required, and any maintenance or repairs that are needed, on the ORV route or other adjacent areas of the right of way, due to the operation of ORVs.
The law provides that, when approved by MDOT, ORVs may travel on the highway shoulder or outside of the highway shoulder on the unmaintained portion of the state highway right of way. A connector route can utilize the highway shoulder and paths outside of the shoulder in combination to develop a route that utilizes the best available location(s) for ORV traffic to travel.
For official MDNR designated routes - MDNR shall be the permit applicant, and shall coordinate with the LUG to obtain the required LUG resolution, LUG ordinance and for other required documents and processes as required.
For non-MDNR (local) routes - the LUG shall be the permit applicant and shall be solely responsible for all aspects of the process. The MDNR does not have any obligation to a non-MDNR designated route.
Please review the Guidelines for Off Road Vehicle (ORV) Connector Routes on State Trunkline Highways for additional information.
