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 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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MDOT has identified the segment of US-131 between M-11 (28th Street) in Wyoming and Cherry Street in Grand Rapids as a priority to be analyzed in a planning and environmental linkages (PEL) study. A PEL study represents a collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making that considers environmental, community and economic goals early in the transportation planning process. The information analysis and products developed during the PEL study is then used to inform the formal federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.
Phase 3 Public and Stakeholder Engagement Materials
Introduction Video
Story Map
Open House Displays - Nov. 2023
Flyer - English
Flyer - Español
Flyer - Kiswahili
In addition to this survey, MDOT will continue outreach efforts with stakeholders throughout this study. This survey is not the only opportunity for public comments, but one of many outreach efforts. As the study continues into subsequent phases, additional public outreach efforts will be included.
After the completion of the US-131 PEL study, MDOT intends to partner with the City of Grand Rapids using funding allocated from the state Legislature to look at detailed engineering and design needs associated with the US-131/Wealthy Street interchange. At this time, no funding is programmed for future rebuilding projects on US-131 stemming from the PEL study and subsequent efforts.
Nick Jasinski
Region Design Engineer
Dennis Kent
Region Transportation Planner
MDOT Grand Region
1420 Front Ave., NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616-451-3091
Attendees who require mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance for effective participation should contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 preferably at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled meeting. Forms are located on the Title VI webpage. Requests made after this timeframe will be evaluated and honored to the extent possible.
US-131 in Grand Rapids and Wyoming is the busiest freeway corridor in Michigan outside of Metro Detroit. It provides local access for commuting trips into downtown Grand Rapids and serves as an important north-south regional corridor, supporting the west Michigan and state economies The corridor, bounded by M-11 (28th Street) and the S-curve in downtown Grand Rapids, was originally built in the early 1960s; in the coming years, MDOT will need to consider significant long-term reinvestment in its infrastructure.
MDOT began a PEL study, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, around 2012. The initial, broader PEL study looked at long-term preservation and operational needs for:
The initial PEL process included extensive data collection and identification of impacts and issues. This was followed by input from area stakeholders and the public. Public meetings were held in Grand Rapids and Walker, presentations were made at Grand Valley Metropolitan Council metropolitan planning organization (MPO) meetings, and individual stakeholders commented in smaller group meetings. This process resulted in key focus areas within the broader US-131 and I-96 corridors in Kent County, which include:
The purpose of the US-131 PEL study is to evaluate cost-effective improvements to the road and bridge conditions, safety, and operations of US-131 through this segment, while also considering local needs for access, community development and economic growth.
The PEL study process allows MDOT to evaluate alternatives and impacts, as required by federal laws and regulations, without making a specific funding commitment. This will provide MDOT the opportunity to complete the federal NEPA process on a more expedited schedule and be ready for construction when funding is available.
A Purpose and Need Statement is used in PEL studies to explain to the decision-makers, public, and stakeholders why the proposed project should be implemented. The Purpose defines the goals and objectives of the study, and the Needs identify specific problems to be solved and supported by data and analysis related to the problem. The draft Purpose and Need Statements below were developed in consultation with the US-131 PEL Local Advisory Committee (LAC) in 2020. These statements will also be available for public comment as part of phase 1 of the PEL study.
There are three general phases for the US-131 PEL. The phases will be conducted by MDOT with the support of members from the US-131 LAC, consisting of various stakeholders from the Grand Rapids and Wyoming areas surrounding the study corridor. The LAC provides support on data collection, outreach efforts and other PEL processes. All PEL phases provided below will have opportunities for public comments and feedback.
Phase 1: Investigate current corridor conditions and develop draft Purpose and Need Statement and evaluation criteria. Completed in spring 2021.
Phase 2: Develop corridor improvement alternatives and review their performance against criteria. Completed in summer 2022.
Phase 3: Select and refine preferred alternative(s), develop plans and potential timeline for implementation. Anticipated completion in fall-winter 2023.
Future Steps:
PEL studies and other planning products may be incorporated into environmental planning and National Environmental Policy Act processes.
