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.
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.
The Office of Policy and Government Relations 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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1. Why do you want my property and not my neighbor's?
Answer: Before selecting a location for a proposed transportation improvement, the Michigan Department of Transportation evaluates a wide variety of factors, including:
Based on our studies and reliable facts, we select the best location for the proposed transportation improvement.
2. When will I know if my property is needed?
Answer: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will advise you well in advance of actual negotiations, through public hearings and personal visits. Do not act on rumors. Be sure you have the facts from MDOT.
MDOT will usually take possession within 30 to 90 days after your check has been delivered and the deed is executed.
3. What are the advantages of selling my property to the state?
Answer: You will receive fair market value established by a licensed appraiser.
* You may owe a commission if your home is listed with a Realtor at the commencement of negotiations.
If you are required to relocate :
4. Will I receive a fair price for my property?
Answer:You are entitled to receive fair market value. To determine this value, appraisers employed or contracted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) make a thorough study of the surrounding neighborhood and of local and general economic facts. They consider the highest and best use of the property. The value is based on comparison of your property with other properties recently sold in your area. The result is carefully reviewed to ensure that it meets state and federal requirements and acceptable appraisal standards.
In addition, if your principal residence is acquired, you will receive 125% of its fair market value, plus a property tax exemption reimbursement.
Are improvements considered in the appraisal?
Yes. You should inform the appraiser of all improvements to your property.
Filing a claim
If you believe MDOT's offer does not include everything for which you are entitled to be paid, you may submit a written claim. You must submit your claim within 90 days after the written good faith offer is made, or 180 days after the condemnation complaint is served, whichever is later.
Information requests from MDOT
It may be necessary to obtain from you certain financial information to help the appraiser determine fair market value. This information will remain confidential, except to the extent that it is used in determining just compensation, in legal proceedings, or as provided by court order. You will be reimbursed actual and reasonable copying costs, plus up to $1000 in other actual and reasonable costs incurred in responding to the MDOT request.
5. Will you reimburse me if I hire my own experts to evaluate your offer?
Answer: Reasonable costs and fees may be reimbursed, as provided by law.
6. Will I have to pay income tax on my sale to the state?
Answer: This is a highly technical question. You should contact the Internal Revenue Service or a tax consultant for specific details.
7. What about outstanding loans on my property?
Answer: You remain responsible for these obligations. They will be deducted from the compensation you receive from the department.
8. What if the project renders my remaining property non-conforming with local zoning ordinances?
Answer: You may be asked to cooperate with the Michigan Department of Transportation in seeking a zoning variance. If a variance cannot be obtained, this fact will be considered in determining your compensation.
9. What about VA loans?
Answer: The Veterans Administration recognizes that the sale of your property to the state is not of your choosing. Your VA loan privileges continue and can be applied to another property.
10. If my mortgage includes a prepayment penalty clause, must I pay the penalty?
Answer: As a general rule, no. Since the negotiated sale of your property to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is considered an involuntary sale, mortgage companies will usually waive the penalty for paying your loan in full as a result of the sale. If you do have to pay a penalty, it is reimbursable by MDOT.
11. If my property is enrolled in The Farmland and Open Space Program (P.A. 116), will I be penalized?
Answer: If the release is granted as a public necessity for a transportation project, the property owner will not be required to pay a penalty.
12. Can I be sure that suitable replacement housing will be available to me before I must move from my present home?
Answer: Yes. The Uniform Relocation Act provides that the Michigan Department of Transportation must offer you suitable replacement housing before it can issue you a notice to vacate.
13. Who is eligible to receive relocation payments?
Answer: There are several types of relocation benefits for which you may be eligible:
14. How soon must I occupy a replacement dwelling in order to receive my relocation benefits?
Answer: Owners must occupy a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling within one year of the date that final payment is received for the state-acquired property or, in a condemnation case, one year after the estimate of just compensation is deposited. Tenants must occupy a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling within one year of the date that they move from the state-acquired dwelling. This time period may be extended for just cause.
15. How long do I have to claim my replacement housing payment, and how much will I receive? May I appeal if I disagree?
Answer: Owners must file their claims within 18 months of either the date they move or the date of final payment for the state-acquired dwelling, whichever is later. Tenants must file all claims within 18 months of the date they move from the state-acquired property.
The acquisition agent for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will provide a written determination of your maximum payment. It is based on comparable homes available for purchase on the open market.
If you disagree with the agent's finding, you may appeal in person or in writing to the regional real estate agent. Further, you may appeal to the director of MDOT if you still disagree with the regional determination.
16. Will the court consider the replacement housing payment in the condemnation proceedings?
Answer: A housing supplement is not covered in the property condemnation law and cannot be litigated under this law.
17. If my property is condemned and the state takes possession before the case is settled, can I receive relocation payments?
Answer: Yes. You will receive the amount of the state's offer at the time the state takes possession of your property and your relocation payments after you move into your replacement site.
18. May I receive benefits if I go out of business?
Answer: Yes. You may be eligible to receive a payment, based on your net income (or gross revenue less administrative costs for non-profit organizations), in lieu of all other moving allowances.
19. May I keep my home buildings and remove them from the site?
Answer: Yes, providing arrangements are made at the time the Option to Purchase Land is signed. A salvage value will be determined for the structure you wish to keep, and this amount will be deducted from the compensation. Additionally, a site clearance deposit will be held out of the compensation until the buildings are removed and all provisions of the Option to Purchase Land are met.
Buildings must be removed within 30 to 90 days after closing with the Michigan Department of Transportation, unless other terms are specifically agreed upon.
Buildings you do not keep may be advertised and sold at public auction.
20. Why must MDOT examine my property for environmental contamination? What if contamination is found?
Answer: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is required by state law to investigate all properties that it acquires for possible contamination. This does not mean your property is suspected of being contaminated. It merely means MDOT is fulfilling its obligation under state law.
If contamination is found, the property owner is required by law to report it to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). MDOT will supply the property owner with complete information, and allow the property owner time to notify MDEQ. If the property owner does not contact MDEQ, MDOT will notify MDEQ of its findings.
If contamination is found, will I be forced to pay for clean-up?
This is a complicated question. The question of your liability for contamination is governed by state and federal environmental laws. In general, under state law, if you did not cause the contamination, you are not liable for it.
What if I refuse to allow MDOT to test my property?
MDOT may seek a court order under Act 87 to conduct an environmental inspection on the property.
