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.
Every year, the Michigan Department of Transportation produces an updated version of the state transportation map. The department also produces numerous geographic information system maps to assist commuters, tourists, and businesses.
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.
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 and procedure development and execution to ensure all bridges and structures are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to ensure safety of the traveling public.
The Bureau of Transportation Planning's role is to develop and implement a comprehensive transportation planning process which results in investments that are consistent with the financial, social, and economic policies of the State Transportation Commission. Major responsibilities include: strategic planning and policy development, multimodal planning, program management, maintaining federal aid eligibility, stewardship, planning for security and mobility, economic development, strategic information technology and tools, asset management, and operations-oriented process support.
MDOT provides technologies and partnerships to traditional practices in order to make the transportation system safer and less congested.
Access Management• Adopt-a-Highway• Aesthetic Opportunities • Pure Michigan Byways• Intelligent Transportation Systems• Noise Abatement• Roadside Development• Storm Water Management
MDOT provides funding for competitive grant programs and loan programs primarily, but not exclusively, for state and local road agencies.
MDOT's Research Administration Supports and promotes innovative research and encourages its implementation for safe, sustainable and cost-effective transportation solutions that keep Michigan moving.
Title VI Nondiscrimination
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.
MDOT News Releases
There are many common myths and misconceptions about transportation in Michigan. Transportation Reality Check takes on some of these myths, and explains why MDOT does things the way they do.
Resources for specialized engineering and technical support for construction staff across Michigan.
Resources regarding MDOT's contracting processes, including contractor prequalification, bid letting, contract awards, and contractor payments.
GIS, Geographic Information System
Resources for local governments regarding grant & economic development opportunities, project coordination, and state and federal requirements.
The MDOT Permit Gateway (MPG) is the portal for ordering and renewing permits. For technical issues related to MPG passwords and login assistance, call 844-806-0002.
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 truckers regarding necessary rules, guidelines, restrictions, and permits, needed to safely transport goods throughout Michigan.
Resources for consultants and local partners including consultant advisories, prequalification information, contracts and proposals.
Resources for general work zone mobility guidelines for engineering and technical staff.
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 TRAC Internship is an extension of the TRAC Program and is designed to provide opportunities for 12th grade students interested in transportation and engineering careers.
YDMP provides participants with opportunities to pursue higher education, personal growth, and exposure to transportation careers.
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.
MDOT's seven region offices each handle transportation-related construction, maintenance and programs within the region's geographic boundaries. Each MDOT region has several Transportation Service Centers (TSCs) that are designed to respond to the transportation needs of local communities.
The Office of Governmental Affairs represents MDOT's interests as new or amendatory legislation is developed or moving through the legislative process. The office also works directly with legislators' offices regarding state and local transportation constituent concerns. </span>
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. This information helps the department identify congested areas, when congestion occurs and how often, cause of delay, and more.
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RAd Readings is a new resource for Research Administration news and updates regarding research projects. Stay up to date with the latest research news and learn more about how MDOT Research impacts the transportation industry.
May 19, 2022
Dynamic message signs can be updated frequently to give drivers real-time updates about crashes, lane closures, inclement weather, and other relevant information. New MDOT research provides insight into the length, display duration and wording of effective messages so that drivers receive the info they need to make safe decisions in real-time. With greater understanding of how dynamic message signs should be used to get drivers’ attention, MDOT can maximize its budget and keep traffic moving safely.
May 05, 2022
Slowing down and adhering to posted speed limits are keys to reducing deadly crashes, especially at freeway exit ramps. New MDOT research shows that targeting custom messages from dynamic speed feedback signs can be a powerful life-saving tool, alerting drivers when they’re going too fast and reminding them to lower their vehicle’s speed around curves.
April 28, 2022
Bicyclists and pedestrians made up about 20% of all traffic fatalities in Michigan in 2020. To make roadways safer for these vulnerable users, @MichiganDOT is constantly on the lookout for ways to improve the state’s infrastructure with nonmotorists’ needs in mind. This #MDOTResearch project identified and documented a variety of design strategies and technologies that have worked well in other communities across the country. That info, combined with input from stakeholder groups across the state, will ensure all road users are considered in decisions involving Michigan’s transportation system.
April 14, 2022
The 9-mile stretch of US-23 north of Ann Arbor is Michigan’s first flex route, but given its success it likely won’t be the last. With nearly 70% of users reporting their satisfaction with the route’s technologically advanced traffic mitigation strategies, MDOT now has a prototype for adding flex routes to other congestion-prone roadways in the state.
April 07, 2022
MDOT’s innovative contracting program provides incentives for contractors to meet certain objectives – from completing projects more quickly to getting jobs done with less travel disruption – and rewards professionals who come up with thoughtful, creative solutions. New #MDOTResearch shows which strategies work best to achieve the desired results, leading to greater innovation and increasing efficiency on projects across the state.
March 24, 2022
High winds, poor soil, pollution and steep terrain all contribute to a harsh and hard-to-grow environment along Michigan’s urban highways. Turf grass has traditionally been the go-to greenery solution, but its high-maintenance needs and short root system make it less ideal for these sloped areas. Determined to create green spaces that can prevent erosion with less upkeep, MDOT conducted a multi-year study that identified a variety of plants and installation practices that can result in beautiful and beneficial landscapes in even the toughest environments.
March 02, 2022
A recent BBC article, How Driverless Cars Will Change Our World, highlights the research being completed at Mcity to help further develop the Autonomous Vehicles, or driverless cars. Did you know, MDOT has contributed $3 million in research funding to the facility? Learn more about the research project behind the funding by visiting the link below.
February 10, 2022
A new Research Spotlight highlights MDOT’s efforts to determine when intermediate diaphragms should be used for stability in certain precast concrete beam bridges. Modeling data will help MDOT’s bridge designers decide when and what types of beams require extra lateral support.
February 03, 2022
A highly trained and specialized transportation workforce will help MDOT make the most of emerging technologies for years to come. A new MDOT Research report forecasts the skills that will be needed and recommends strategies to retrain current staff and recruit new workers to meet the demands of the future.
January 06, 2022
Grassy slopes along Michigan’s urban freeways once posed safety hazards and logistical challenges for MDOT maintenance crews. But thanks to new MDOT Research that shows just what to plant and how to achieve great results, these areas can become useful green spaces that reduce erosion, keep pollutants out of Michigan’s waterways and practically eliminate the need for maintenance.
