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Transportation Systems Management & Operations 

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Department of Transportation

Transportation Systems Management & Operations 

MDOT works to maintain Michigan's roads, but we also work to make the roads safer with less congestion. Through our Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) program, we are adding advanced technologies and partnerships to our traditional practices - from construction to clearing crashes to plowing snow - increasing mobility, reliability and safety along the way.

Michigan DOT TSMO Implementation and Strategic Plan

Real-time warning/variable speed limit abbreviated concept of operations

Contact

Kim Zimmer | 989-233-0597
TSMO engineer

TSMO areas

Traffic monitoring displays at the MITSCenter in Detroit.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)  is a combination of electronics, telecommunications and information technology to the transportation sector for improving safety and travel times on the transportation system.

MDOT's Grand Ledge garage crews perform maintenance on I-96 ramp to eastbound I-496 in Eaton County.

Maintenance & operations

Maintenance and operations provide highly specialized skills and technical support in an effort to provide safe roads, maintain serviceability of the highway system, and support facilities while preserving the state's investment in our transportation infrastructure.


Cars on a rural road in Michigan passing a Dynamic Message Sign that reads, Don't Text and Drive.

Traffic & safety

Traffic and safety works with transportation partners to seek out innovative ideas and ways to improve overall safety for all road users, internal staff, contractors performing work on roads, and emergency responders.

TSMO Benefits

Efficient commutes: Optimally timed traffic lights help vehicles move more smoothly through intersections. Harmonizing traffic lights can reduce travel times by 8 to 20 percent.

Clear routes: Michigan Traffic Incident Management Effort (Mi-TIME) provides important training on quickly and safely clearing traffic incidents.

Safer work zones: Technologies to safely manage work zones help decrease the number of work zone crashes, injuries, and deaths. 

Easier-to-use travel information: MDOT's Mi Drive website provides 24/7 traffic and incident information. 

Fewer wasted gallons of gas: Travelers will not burn fuel idling in congestion, enhancing livability and sustainability. 

Better, faster, cheaper, safer, and smarter: Solutions that cost-effectively reduce congestion, increase safety, and provide Michigan residents with measurable benefits now.

Michigan leading the way: Planet M promotes innovation in transportation mobility technologies across the state.

Business Cases

National research has shown that most stakeholders are not familiar with the wide variety of benefits offered by TSMO. MDOT has developed these TSMO Business Cases for outreach and education. These documents, tailored to key stakeholder groups, summarize the mobility, safety, and reliability benefits that TSMO can bring to Michigan.

Public

Introduction to TSMO for the general public. 

Technical staff

Information for other MDOT technical staff.

MDOT decision makers

Information aimed at MDOT executives.

Partners

Information targeted to transportation partners, such as consultants, universities, municipalities, other DOT’s and agencies.

Legislators

Information designed to foster understanding of TSMO concepts for lawmakers considering transportation policy.