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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A major international crossing, the Blue Water Bridge spans the St. Clair River at the southern end of Lake Huron. Located near the I-94 and I-69 interchange in Port Huron, Michigan, and contacting to Highway 402 in Point Edward, Ontario, the bridge is one of the fastest links between the Midwest and Ontario, as well as the Northeast United States.
Opened to traffic in October 1938, the original Blue Water Bridge formed a critical gateway linking the United States and Canada. In 1997, the second Blue Water Bridge span was opened to traffic. The original bridge now carries three lanes of westbound traffic and the second span carries three lanes of eastbound traffic.
Learn more about the Blue Water Bridge's history.
Blue Water Bridge
1410 Elmwood (entrance on 10th Ave.)
Port Huron, MI 48060
810-984-3131 (24 hours)
Amy Winn-VanHoeck, Bridge Administrator
Robert Kresevich, Maintenance Supervisor
Connie Zeller, Operations Manager
Dave Smith, Chief Bridge Engineer
The eastbound Blue Water Bridge (BWB) tolling operation is cashless. BWB accepts single crossing payments at toll booths with a credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay. They also accept pre-paid commercial or commuter accounts available through the EDGE pass program, using RFID tags. Cashless tolling has reduced congestion and emissions, and increased efficiency.
Duty free shopping is located prior to the bridge entrance and toll booths. You may use duty free shopping on your trip to Canada. Once you have entered the duty free area you must pay toll and cross the bridge into Canada, there are no exceptions.
Duty free is accessed off of Pine Grove Avenue (M-25) and not from the Blue Water Bridge.
Rules governing purchase of goods from duty free may be obtained at 810-987-7676.
