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.
Resources for minorities, women, and other socially/economically disadvantaged persons.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Governmental Affairs 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.
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Program Description:
The Section 5304 Program provides funds for research, training/education, planning and coordination, and operational and technical projects that preserve or enhance public transit. Projects submitted for funding under this application must demonstrate statewide benefits and are subject to a competitive project selection process. These projects may be funded with FTA Section 5304 funds.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51 and/or private and public nonprofit providers, and private for-profit providers.
Program Description:
This is a formula grant program for urbanized areas (UAs) with a population more than 50,000. Funds are apportioned to UAs utilizing a formula based on population, population density, and other factors associated with transit service and ridership. This program provides both capital and/or operating assistance to the eligible applicants. Interested applicants must contact FTA for the submittal of their applications in addition to requesting state match through OPT's annual application process. FAST Act allowed Section 5307 Program funds to be used for activities that were eligible under the Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program, which focused on providing services to low-income individuals to access jobs. This includes operating assistance with a 50 percent state match for job access and reverse commute activities. In addition, the urbanized area formula for distributing funds now includes the number of low-income individuals as a factor. There is no floor or ceiling on the amount of funds that can be spent on job access and reverse commute activities.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51 and that are in the UAs with a population more than 50,000 and have been designated by the governor as an eligible funding recipient.
Program Description:
This program provides capital assistance for core capacity improvement projects, corridor-based bus rapid transit projects, fixed-guideway bus rapid transit projects, new fixed-guideway projects, program of interrelated projects, and small start projects. Interested applicants must contact FTA for the submittal of their applications in addition to requesting state match through OPT's annual application process.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51, as well as private companies engaged in public transportation and private nonprofit organizations.
Program Description:
This program provides formula funding to increase the mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Under FAST Act, funds are apportioned based on each state's share of the targeted populations and are now apportioned to both states (for all areas less than 200,000) and large urbanized areas (more than 200,000). The former NF Program (Section 5317) is folded into this program. NF projects should be for services for individuals with disabilities that go above and beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Eligible Applicants:
Private nonprofit organizations, public transit authorities or governmental agencies where no nonprofit organizations are available to provide service or governmental authorities approved to coordinate services. To be eligible for funding consideration, a Coordinated Public Transit - Human Services Transportation Plan and all updates must be on file with OPT or submitted to OPT with the application.
Federal Section 5311 - Rural Area Formula Program
Program Description:
This formula program is used to provide federal funding to assist transportation services in rural areas. In the past few years, Michigan has provided operating assistance that is equivalent to 18 percent of eligible expense to rural public transportation providers currently receiving state funds under the State Operating Assistance Program to further supplement their eligible operating expenses. Starting from FY 2019, agencies have been provided with the option to use all or part of their allocation for operating or capital.
Once an authorization is executed, the agency may not switch between operating and capital. If you choose to use any portion of your Section 5311 allocation for capital, you also need to complete the application requirements for capital assistance. Fifteen percent of the Section 5311 appropriation is set aside for agencies supporting intercity bus service [see Federal Section 5311(f) Intercity Bus Program, for a description of the program]. FAST Act allows Section 5311 Program funds to be used for activities that were eligible under the former JARC Program, which focused on providing services to low-income individuals to access jobs. In addition, the formula now includes the number of low-income individuals as a factor. There is no floor or ceiling on the amount of funds that can be spent on job access and reverse commute activities. MDOT will use a portion of the Section 5311 formula funds to continue existing JARC projects.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51 who receive state operating assistance and Native American tribes providing public transportation in rural areas of the state. Private nonprofit organizations are eligible for JARC activities.
Program Description:
This program provides capital and operating assistance to support intercity bus service in rural areas. MDOT is required to spend not less than 15 percent of its Section 5311 apportionment to carry out a program for the development and support of intercity bus transportation. The requirement is in effect unless the governor certifies that Michigan's intercity bus service needs are being adequately met.
Eligible Applicants:
A private, for-profit intercity carrier or provider; a private, nonprofit intercity carrier or provider; a local public transit provider providing, or proposing to provide, feeder service to intercity carriers; or federally recognized Native American tribal governments in Michigan. Contact Robbie Smith, Intercity Bus project manager, at 517-241-0679 if you are interested in applying for financial assistance under this program.
Program Description:
The State of Good Repair (SGR) Grants Program provides capital assistance for maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation projects of high-intensity fixed-guideway and bus systems to help transit agencies maintain assets in a state of good repair. Additionally, the SGR grants are eligible for developing and implementing Transit Asset Management plans. The SGR grant funds are available for capital projects that maintain a fixed-guideway or high-intensity motorbus system in a state of good repair, including projects to replace and rehabilitate: rolling stock, track, line equipment and structures, signals and communications, power equipment and substations, passenger stations and terminals, security equipment and systems, maintenance facilities and equipment, and operational support equipment, including computer hardware and software; as well as implement transit asset management plans. Interested applicants must contact FTA for the submittal of their applications in addition to requesting state match through OPT's annual application process.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51 and/or state and local government authorities in UAs with fixed-guideway and high-intensity motorbus systems in revenue service for at least seven years. The Detroit Transportation Corp. is currently the only agency with an eligible project.
Program Description:
This grant program includes both competitive and formula allocations. The formula grant program was established under MAP-21, replacing the previous Section 5309 Discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities Program. This capital program provides funding to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment, and to construct bus-related facilities. Each year, $65.5 million will be allocated with each state receiving $1.25 million and each territory (including DC and Puerto Rico) receiving $500,000. The remaining funding will be distributed by formula based on population, vehicle revenue miles and passenger miles to the urbanized areas.
The FAST Act includes a new competitive program under Section 5339 that allows FTA to make grants to states and transit agencies for bus and bus facility capital projects. The competitive allocation provides funding for major improvements to bus transit systems that would not be achievable through formula allocations.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51.
One of the most significant changes that came out of ISTEA and continued by TEA-21,SAFETEA-LU, MAP-21, and FAST Act is the unparalleled flexible funding opportunities providing states and local communities the ability to exercise a choice in the use of some Federal Highway funds. It is possible to transfer some of these flexible highway funds to use for transit projects and vice versa. These Federal Highway funds include:
Program Description:
This federal program provides funds for transportation projects located in areas that, as required through the Clean Air Act, do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone, carbon monoxide, and/or particulate matters. Eligible transit projects may include new transit facilities and new vehicles used to expand services, bus replacement, up to three years of operating and maintenance expenses for new or expanded service routes, alternative fueling facilities, rideshare administration and marketing, ozone action, and transit fare subsidies. State match is available for all the above projects with the exception of up to three years of operating and maintenance expenses for new or expanded service routes and transit fare subsidies. The funds are allocated by population formula within areas designated as nonattainment or maintenance. Interested applicants must submit applications to their Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) or Regional Planning Agency (RPA) in addition to requesting these projects through OPT's application process. The MPO/RPA will work with the applicants to ensure the projects are included in the public involvement process, which is required for inclusion in the TIP. The project list and emission forms will then be reviewed by the CMAQ Call for Project Committee for eligibility determination. For information regarding the CMAQ application submittal process, contact Jim Ashman, MDOT CMAQ program manager, at 517-896-5478, or your MPO or RPA. Information on the CMAQ Call for Projects process is available on the MDOT CMAQ webpage.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51 of Public Acts of 1951, as amended (Act 51), and that are in the federally defined nonattainment areas.
Program Description:
The Construction of Ferry Boats and Ferry Terminal Facilities Formula Program (FBP) funds the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities. The FAST Act gives greater weight to the number of passengers carried by ferry systems. The formula is 35 percent based on the number of ferry passengers, including passengers in vehicles, carried by each ferry system; 35 percent based on the number of vehicles carried by each ferry system; and 30 percent based on the total route nautical miles serviced by each ferry system. The FAST Act also guarantees that a state with an eligible entity under the program will receive a minimum of $100,000 in FBP funding each fiscal year.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51.
Program Description:
This program provides STBG funding for road and transit projects. The funds for transit projects are administered by OPT. The funds are allocated through a local project selection process. Eligible transit projects include but are not limited to bus purchase, bus rehabilitation, bus lease, van purchase, van rehabilitation, van lease, support/administrative vehicle, vehicle equipment, office equipment, computer/computer equipment, communication equipment, maintenance equipment, facility construction, facility improvements, facility purchase, and security/surveillance system (bus, and security/surveillance system) facility.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51, which operate within the federal urban area boundaries of cities with populations from 5,000 to 49,999. Private, nonprofit corporations and associations that provide transportation services meeting the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities are also eligible. Interested applicants must submit their application to their local Small Urban Program committee in addition to requesting these projects through OPT's application process.
Program Description: This program provides capital assistance for road and transit projects in rural areas. The funds are allocated through a local project selection process. Eligible transit projects include but are not limited to bus purchase, bus rehabilitation, bus lease, van purchase, van
rehabilitation, van lease, support/administrative vehicle, vehicle equipment, office equipment, computer/computer equipment, communication equipment, maintenance equipment, facility construction, facility improvements, facility purchase, and security/surveillance system (bus, and security/surveillance system) facility.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51 and that operate in rural areas with a population less than 5,000. Private, nonprofit corporations and associations that provide transportation services meeting the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in the said rural areas are also eligible. Interested applicants must submit their application to their local RTF committee in addition to requesting these projects through OPT's application process.
Program Description:
This program provides capital assistance to eligible applicants through the Transportation Management Areas (TMA) - STBG federal funds. Public TAs in the service area with a population between 50,000 and 200,000 are eligible to receive STBG funds. The funds are allocated through a local project selection process. Eligible transit projects include but are not limited to bus purchase, bus rehabilitation, bus lease, van purchase, van rehabilitation, van lease, support/administrative vehicle, vehicle equipment, office equipment, computer/computer equipment, communication equipment, maintenance equipment, facility construction, facility improvements, facility purchase, and security/surveillance system (bus, and security/surveillance system) facility.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible authorities and eligible governmental agencies as defined in Act 51 and that operate in the service area with a population more than 50,000. Private, nonprofit corporations and associations that provide transportation services meeting the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities are also eligible. Interested applicants must submit their application to their MPO in addition to requesting these projects through OPT's application process.
Program Description:
TAP is a competitive grant program that funds projects such as bike paths, bike racks for buses, streetscapes, and historic preservation of transportation facilities that enhance Michigan's intermodal transportation system, promote walkability, and improve quality of life for Michigan citizens. For further information, go to www.Michigan.gov/TAP.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible applicants include county road commissions, cities, villages, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, state and federal natural resource or public land agencies, nonprofits responsible for the administration of local transportation safety programs, and tribal governments. MDOT may partner with a local agency to apply for funding and implement the project. Other organizations, such as townships or trail groups, may work with an eligible agency to apply.
Visit FTA's Grant Programs, select Grant Types, and then select Competitive.
Additional resources:
