Research Spotlights

Transportation technology is evolving quickly, leading to safer and more efficient design, construction, maintenance and inspection practices in Michigan. By anticipating the skills workers will need to manage and operate these technologies throughout the next decade, MDOT has developed a strategic plan to prepare its workforce for the challenges of the future. Our new video highlights the technologies on the horizon and how the agency is preparing to meet demands.

Sloped grassy areas along urban freeways used to be a landscaping challenge, but new MDOT Research shows which plants grow best in these tough environments. The results are not only beautiful but environmentally responsible and safer.

Keeping pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorists safe is a priority for MDOT. By listening to experts and learning about strategies and technologies across the country, MDOT has given Michigan’s traffic managers and designers better tools and resources to create safer and more accessible intersections and roadways.

Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) offer bridge inspectors a way to check for bridge scour from the safety of the shore. This little remote-controlled boat can gather critical underwater data using sonar and other technologies, alerting officials to dangerous bridge scour more quickly and safely than traditional methods. Watch the video to see a USV in action.

Increasing the visibility of MDOT's winter maintenance vehicles required extensive research, testing and even a change in state law. Watch our new video to see how this MDOT Research innovation came together and the optimal configuration of colored lights and flash patterns for snowplows that make everyone on the road safer.

Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, give MDOT engineers a way to monitor traffic, conduct bridge assessments, inspect construction sites, assess emergencies and more; all while keeping their specially licensed MDOT operators out of harm's way. Watch the video to see these remote-controlled powerhouses in action.

Many serious vehicle crashes occur on icy bridges in winter. New MDOT research analyzes the effectiveness of weather-activated signs in reducing vehicle speed and decreasing crashes on icy bridges. Researchers evaluated and recommended sign types, such as including an LED border and displaying a warning message to drivers when there are wintry weather conditions.

MDOT’s new guidance and construction specifications help determine when to use subgrade stabilization to support road construction and provide sustainable pavement. Unified best practices will facilitate consistent use of subgrade stabilization practices when needed across the agency. 

Many serious pedestrian and bicycle crashes occur along high-speed corridors, often at night. New MDOT research analyzes the locations of these crashes and assesses the primary factors causing them. Researchers evaluated and recommended countermeasures, such as increasing the amount of lighting at intersections, using high-visibility markings and installing traffic control devices, to effectively reduce the occurrence of crashes.

A new MDOT research project highlights the main causes of bridge deck concrete fascia deterioration. A new tool will assess damage and determine if repairs are warranted. New repair methods for existing bridges and design options for new bridges will support safe and sustainable structures.

Enhancements to MDOT's pavement design process will support MDOT engineers in designing cost-effective and sustainable pavement. The process has been updated with new data, sampling and testing protocols, and locally calibrated models to represent Michigan-specific conditions.

New technology promises greater safety and convenience for drivers while presenting new opportunities and challenges for transportation agencies. One transportation pooled fund committed to innovation shares successes, learning and data in a recently released research compendium.