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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Road signs are an important part of traffic safety. They provide important information to road users, create order on the roads, and they keep people safe. More than 1,090 people die in Michigan traffic-related crashes every year. Effective and safe road signs can save lives, prevent injuries and property damage, and can improve traffic flow.
Keeping a focus on safety, MDOT routinely replaces traffic signs on highway corridors as part of a 100 percent federally funded statewide sign replacement program. Supports for traffic signs, frequently placed close to the roadway, can become deadly hazards when struck by a vehicle if not designed, manufactured, and constructed to break away upon impact. That is why when MDOT replaces old traffic signs, crews also replace sign posts to ensure safety. Coordinating the replacement of sign posts with traffic sign replacement also minimizes costs.
Learn more below about MDOT sign safety and enhancements.
Businesses serving travelers and tourists can have signs placed along state trunklines.
Memorial Highway signs are dedicated to individuals or groups through state statute.
Rules for placement of political signs on state roads (I, M and US routes).
Research shows that Clearview font on guide signs reduces fatal and injury crashes by 5 percent on rural roads, 23 percent on urban non-freeways, and 3 percent on freeways compared to standard highway font. The greatest reductions were realized at night for all crash types. These reductions were 26 percent for urban non-freeways, 34 percent for rural non-freeways, and 31 percent for freeways. Additionally, a research survey found that drivers have a strong preference for Clearview font especially during inclement weather, at night and from a distance. Clearview font is especially beneficial to older drivers. By 2030, one in five drivers will be age 65 or older.
MDOT has adopted Clearview font as the standard for all newly upgraded guide signs.
A wrong-way warning system is designed to alert motorists that are driving the wrong way on freeways. Cameras detect when a vehicle is approaching; when that happens, high-intensity red LED flashing lights mounted on each of the wrong way signs are activated. This system is designed to prevent one of the most serious types of traffic crashes.
MDOT has adopted fluorescent yellow sheeting as the standard reflective background sheeting for warning signs. This relatively inexpensive material increases the visibility of a traffic sign and provides greater contrast against the surroundings. Fluorescent yellow sheeting is used on warning signs as they are replaced on MDOT roads.
This safety enhancement means brighter, more visible signs.
MDOT has begun to require the installation of reflective post sheeting for several types of signs. It has been found that the use of reflective post sheeting has an added safety and operational benefit, particularly at night. The post sheeting gives users a clue as to the path of the road while bringing attention to the sign.
This addition to specific signs helps drivers at night.
Retroreflectivity is a scientific term that describes the ability of an object to redirect light back to its source. Retroreflective traffic signs use small glass beads or microprismatic reflectors to return light from a vehicle’s headlights back to the driver’s eyes. The retroreflective properties of traffic signs deteriorate over time, due to severe weather, exposure to the sun and damage from other factors. Traffic signs must be replaced on a timely basis or they can become difficult to see and read at night.
Highly retroreflective signs are especially beneficial to older drivers. However, bright, more visible traffic signs help drivers of all ages to quickly read and react to the information which reduces nighttime crashes.
