Periodically, MDOT engages in a statewide functional reclassification. At such times, MDOT asks the appropriate local officials to review the classifications of all streets and roads under their jurisdiction. After their review, the local officials identify changes in classification to match changes in road function.

Local officials may also initiate individual changes to the NFC in their area anytime. The type of area determines which local official makes the request. Below is a table which tells which local officials request changes by area type:

TYPE OF AREA -------------------------------- APPROPRIATE LOCAL OFFICIALS

Rural: Outside a MAB -------------------------- County Road Commission

Rural: Inside a MAB ----------------------------- MPO

Urban: Outside a MAB ------------------------- Central City/County Road Commission

Urban: Inside a MAB ---------------------------- MPO

EXPLANATION OF TERMS IN TABLE: Federal-aid urban boundaries enclose areas with a population of 5,000 or more. The federal-aid urban boundary is the line which divides rural from urban land area. Rural land area lies outside a federal-aid urban boundary while urban land area lies inside. MPO stands for Metropolitan Planning Organization and MAB stands for Metropolitan Area Boundary. MPOs and MABs are established for places having a population of 50,000 or more.

To change a functional classification, the appropriate local official makes a written request to MDOT. This request must describe the road in question, and give justification for the change based on how the road functions. MDOT's response to the request may include a field review. MDOT will also verify compatibility of the requested NFC change with other road classification systems, such as Michigan's Act 51 "legal systems" (e.g., county primary, city major). Once MDOT concurs with the request, it will be submitted to the FHWA for final approval.

Proposed or unbuilt roads may be added to the NFC system in a similar manner. The proposed function for the new road should be described in the written request, as well as the planned timetable for constructing the road. Proposed roads with an expected function of collector or higher, and a construction timetable of six to eight years, are typically included in the NFC system.

All questions can be sent to: mdot-nfc@michigan.gov