Be aware of fake MDOT texts demanding toll or traffic ticket payments. MDOT does not operate any toll roads. Contact the Michigan Attorney General for information on how to identify scams and file a complaint.
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.
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 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.
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 Veteran Internship Program assists honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces as they transition into the civilian workforce.
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.
The STEM Outreach Program 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.
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.
The Office of Policy and Government Relations 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.
MDOT and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/MI) have entered into a Partnership Charter Agreement to continue to develop an enhanced business partnership based on mutual trust, collaborative teamwork, effective communication, continuous product and process improvement, and timely resolution/avoidance of problems.
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What steps are necessary to move an innovative idea to an implementable technology? The steps along the way were named in the 1970’s when NASA developed the Technical Readiness Levels (TRLs) as the formal scale identifying a technology’s maturity level. There are nine levels that identify technical steps needed for a technology to advance.
| Category | Level of Readiness | ETC History |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Research | 1 — Basic Principles Observed | Radio‑frequency identification (RFID) technology was used during WWII to identify if planes were allied or enemy. |
| Basic Research | 2 — Technology Concept Formulated | During the 1950s and 1960s, there was a search for applications to use radio transponders. In 1963, economist William Vickrey saw ETC systems as a potential application. |
| Basic Research | 3 — Experimental Proof of Concept | Researcher Mario Cardullo developed a passive radio transponder with memory, demonstrating the ETC concept in the 1970s. |
| Applied Research | 4 — Technology Validated in Lab | Development and validation of RFID for tracking systems for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture continued through the 1980s. |
| Applied Research | 5 — Technology Validated in Relevant Environment | Researchers tested early ETC systems on closed courses and public roads. |
| Development | 6 — Technology Demonstrated in Relevant Environment | Researchers replaced the small installation with one featuring more readers and transponders. |
| Development | 7 — System Prototype Demonstration in Operational Environment | The initial pilot phase was limited to test, government, and commercial vehicles. |
| Development | 8 — System Complete and Qualified | ETC systems were proven to be safe and their usage was opened to all road users. |
| Implementation | 9 — Actual System Proven in Operational Environment | Fully deployed systems in Texas started in 1989 and in Oklahoma in 1991. |
Cutting edge technologies are being researched by Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Research Administration (RAd), the National Cooperative Research Program, other DOTs, and other industries. MDOT, working with its partners, strives to implement safe, sustainable, and cost-effective innovations. Is there an innovation that you would like to bring to MDOT? What TRL is your innovation? How could RAd help you move it a step closer to implementation? These are critical questions worthy of consideration as you engage in bringing innovation to MDOT.
• TRL can be used across MDOT’s focus areas to identify what is needed for new technologies to reach implementation level.
• You can use TRL to assess the potential of a past research project and identify the next steps needed.
• You can engage in MDOT’s research program at any TRL to move an innovation closer to reality.
For more information about TRL, see FHWA’s Technology Readiness Level Guidebook. For more information about RAd, see the Research and Implementation Manual. If you have an innovative idea of questions, contact RAd using the links below.
Figure 1. Automatic toll charging system, U.S. Patent 3602881 