In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for planning, designing, and operating streets, highways, bridges, transit systems, airports, railroads, and ports to provide for the safe, rapid, comfortable, economical, convenient, and environmentally safe movement of people and goods.  MDOT maintains the Michigan State Trunkline Highway System which includes all Interstate, US, and state highways in Michigan with the exception of the Mackinac Bridge.

MDOT is created pursuant to MCLS § 16.450.  The head of MDOT is the director of the department of transportation, who is appointed by the governor of the state[i].  However, the policy making body of MDOT is the state transportation commission (STC)[ii].  STC is created pursuant to MCLS Const. Art. V, § 28.  STC consists of six members, appointed by the governor of the state with the advice and consent of the senate.  STC shall establish policies for the MDOT’s transportation programs and facilities, and such other public works of the state, as provided by law.

Apart from STC, MDOT consists of the following councils and committees:

• Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) – Advises SHC on a statewide asset management strategy and its implementation;
• Michigan Transportation Research Board – Assists in identifying and prioritizing transportation research needs; interacts with organizations that conduct and support research; and champions the value of research to improve Michigan’s transportation system;
• Transportation Funding Task Force – Reviews the competence of surface transportation and aeronautics service provision and finance in Michigan; reviews strategies for maximizing return on transportation investment, and evaluates the capability of alternative strategies to replace or supplement transportation taxes and fees;
• Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) – Prepares reports, studies, and recommendations and submits it to the Task Force; and
• Engineering Operations Committee – Approves the pavement alternative that has the lowest life-cycle cost for a project.  It is the senior technical committee in MDOT.

Michigan Department of Transportation

[i] MCLS § 16.455.

[ii] MCLS § 16.451.