Research Spotlights

All state transportation agencies can license federal software to design their state-owned pavements. To make this software more accurate for Michigan’s pavements, MDOT has invested in several research projects over the years. With more customized and effective pavement designs, MDOT can improve the durability and performance of its roads and minimize the need for future repairs.

Slowing down and adhering to posted speed limits are critical for reducing deadly crashes, especially at freeway exit ramps. Research from Michigan DOT shows that dynamic speed feedback signs can encourage better driver behavior when placed properly at high-risk areas

In this Michigan DOT Research Spotlight, researchers developed a new procedure for successfully mixing Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) in the field, where it will provide outstanding performance for the lifetime of a bridge.

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.

A new end-to-end machine learning-based framework developed at Michigan DOT provides fast, flexible and accurate traffic forecasting. Existing empirical data and a capacity to incorporate changing contexts like weather produce realistic travel behavior predictions to support transportation planning decisions.

New pavement project decision-support methods from Michigan DOT use historical condition and maintenance data to identify pavement condition trends, ideal treatment timing and treatment method options. The tools can help MDOT consistently and transparently prioritize pavement projects and optimize investments across the network.

This Michigan DOT Research Spotlight highlights MODT’s multi-objective decision analysis (MODA) research provides a framework for transportation infrastructure project prioritization. Considering current strategic objectives, asset conditions and budget constraints, the approach could help MDOT deliver the greatest project benefits for its investments. 

An exploration of Building Information Modeling, Industry Foundation Classes and Connected Data Environments examines how these tools can be used to improve accuracy, efficiency and accessibility in data workflows throughout an asset’s life cycle. New research identifies promising capabilities and potential limitations of digital technologies, helping to advance MDOT’s digital vision. 

New MDOT research presents strategies and best practices for the maintenance of 12 movable bridges to minimize malfunctions and reduce downtime. Recommendations include updating procedures, improving communications and implementing technology upgrades.

The 2nd Avenue Bridge over I-94 in Detroit features an innovative tied-network arch design unlike any other bridge in the United States. Because of the bridge’s complexity, MDOT launched a research project to better understand how the structure performs during construction and long-term service. Researchers installed 112 sensors throughout the bridge, collected performance data and developed advanced computer models to monitor the structure over time. The project established a long-term structural health monitoring system and provided MDOT with valuable baseline data to support future maintenance and asset management.

Michigan DOT has developed a new methodology to classify remotely sensed images and map invasive species in roadside rights of way. Accurate mapping informs vegetation control priorities to ensure traveler safety, protect transportation infrastructure and support state economic interests.

Michigan transit agencies across the state seek to effectively implement innovative technologies such as digital ticketing and real-time service alerts to improve service and increase ridership. New MDOT research provides marketing guidance and strategies for marketing budgets of all sizes.

Accurate flood estimates are essential for designing safe bridges and effective drainage infrastructure. New Michigan DOT research updates the rainfall data, hydrologic methods and geographic information system tools used to estimate flood discharges in ungaged watersheds, helping engineers produce more consistent, data-driven design decisions that reflect current conditions.

Moisture and road salt can corrode bridge beam ends and threaten capacity loads. A new Michigan DOT research study culminated in practical guidance to help bridge inspectors assess beam end deterioration and choose the most effective repairs. With updated tools for inspectors and load raters, MDOT can make faster data-driven decisions that keep Michigan bridges safe and reliable.

Updating traffic signal timing every few years helps keep vehicles traveling safely and efficiently through Michigan’s intersections. New MDOT research shows that using GPS data from connected vehicles can improve traffic signal timing while reducing the time and expense of traditional retiming studies. The new approach performed as well as or better than traditional methods and could help MDOT keep signal timing optimized as traffic patterns change.

MDOT is working to improve work zone performance by enhancing safety and reducing mobility impacts. New MDOT research provides guidance and strategies to help reduce fatalities and serious injuries from work zone crashes while limiting congestion caused by work zones.

A new ranking method developed by Michigan DOT identifies highway corridors experiencing congestion during peak traffic times. The tool incorporates need, safety and feasibility considerations to prioritize locations for flex-route projects such as part-time shoulder use, which can ease traffic congestion by temporarily increasing capacity.

MDOT wants to more effectively collect survey response data that identifies transportation insecurity across Michigan. New MDOT research that shortens a Transportation Security Index survey instrument from six questions to three indicates the shorter survey is as effective, is less expensive to administer and will produce higher response rates than the previous survey instrument.

Roadside vegetation helps stabilize slopes, reduce erosion, and improve the appearance of Michigan highways, but harsh roadside conditions can make long-term plant survival difficult. New MDOT research identified effective soil preparation methods and durable plant species that can improve vegetation establishment while reducing maintenance needs. The findings will help guide future roadside landscaping and slope restoration efforts across the state.

Michigan’s unpredictable winter weather causes budgeting challenges for road maintenance operators. Material needs can vary significantly across the state’s different climate regions. New Michigan DOT research presents an updated method for measuring winter weather severity that incorporates material cost information and localized data to support budgeting and operational decisions.

New MDOT research updated how pavement condition is measured statewide. The Pavement Distress Score translates detailed roadway data into a consistent, easy-to-understand score that supports planning, forecasting and investment decisions. This work strengthens pavement management and aligns with current data collection practices and federal reporting needs. 

Drones + smart infrastructure = a new era in connected mobility. Recent MDOT research found that MDOT’s existing connected vehicle systems can also support drones flying beyond the line of sight. This research opens the door to expanded drone use for medical deliveries, emergency response, infrastructure inspections and other activities.

How should Michigan fund critical road projects? Borrow and build now, or postpone the project and pay in full later with available revenue? A new Michigan DOT study explores the trade-offs between bonding and pay-as-you-go, or pay-go, analyzing inflation, construction delays, congestion costs, and other factors to determine the long-term impact. An interactive tool developed as part of this study will help MDOT make data-driven funding decisions.