Talking Michigan Transportation

By Michigan Department of Transportation

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Episodes: 270

Description

The Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features conversations with transportation experts inside and outside MDOT and will touch on anything and everything related to mobility, including rail, transit and the development of connected and automated vehicles.


Episode Date
U.S. House makes progress on transportation funding
May 21, 2026
Legislation aims to teach new drivers how to navigate work zones
May 14, 2026
Three years later, is the hands-free law reducing Michigan crashes?
May 06, 2026
What we learned from a Michigan maritime policy panel
Apr 30, 2026
How MDOT is protecting people, animals and plants on Earth Day 2026
Apr 22, 2026
Historic flooding takes a toll on roads and bridges across Michigan
Apr 16, 2026
A look at crash fatality numbers and an update on work zone safety cameras
Apr 09, 2026
Reprise: After a pandemic spike in crashes, 2025 stats show positive trends
Apr 06, 2026
Why falling ice leads to closing the Mackinac Bridge
Mar 26, 2026
What’s next for regional transit in southeast Michigan?
Mar 19, 2026
Michigan panel boosts funding to rebuild major highways
Mar 12, 2026
New mobility comes at a cost
Mar 05, 2026
Reprise: Focusing on the work force as we enter a new road construction season
Feb 26, 2026
Paying by the miles driven - where things stand
Feb 19, 2026
Reprise: The people behind a most iconic international handshake
Feb 12, 2026
Exiting STC chairman reflects on his tenure
Feb 05, 2026
MDOT’s new chief administrative officer takes on a road user charge project
Jan 29, 2026
Polar vortex, winter storms test driver responsibility
Jan 22, 2026
What to expect as Congress looks to renew transportation funding
Jan 15, 2026
An update on MDOT’s work with Michigan Central and rail service to Toronto
Jan 08, 2026
MDOT director touts 2025 accomplishments
Dec 18, 2025
Veteran MDOT leader reflects on a rich career in state government
Dec 10, 2025
Study: Flashing LED lights can reduce crashes on curves
Dec 04, 2025
Projects improve travel near Grand Rapids, Traverse City
Nov 19, 2025
MDOT, communities celebrate conclusion of big projects
Nov 13, 2025
Michigan budget provides a boost to public transportation
Oct 30, 2025
Why MDOT is solidifying policies for use of facilities
Oct 23, 2025
New transportation hub a big step for travelers in Detroit
Oct 17, 2025
Michigan budget has good news for studying road usage charges
Oct 09, 2025
Reprise: What 2024 polling said about removing sales tax from fuel
Oct 02, 2025
Federal help for studying and reducing wildlife crashes
Sep 25, 2025
Increased enforcement targets trucks in work zones
Sep 19, 2025
One more time: Texts about unpaid tolls are scams!
Sep 11, 2025
Panel of experts sheds light on transportation funding battle
Sep 05, 2025
As road funding talks continue, a look at pavement forecasts
Aug 28, 2025
Building roads and bridges generates jobs
Aug 21, 2025
The week for electric vehicle news
Aug 15, 2025
Are we talking enough about crumbling bridges?
Aug 08, 2025
Michigan DNR works to provide access for all to popular state park beach
Jul 31, 2025
How safety cameras slow down drivers in school zones
Jul 24, 2025
Drive on the roads, pay for the roads
Jul 16, 2025
After a series of work-zone crashes, what can be done?
Jul 10, 2025
Reprise: A veteran Michigan pollster talks about perceptions of road conditions and repairs
Jul 02, 2025
Take 2: Regulating traffic flow with stop lights at entrance ramps
Jun 25, 2025
Why do we need a green light to enter a freeway?
Jun 18, 2025
EVs, magnets and drones. Oh, my!
Jun 12, 2025
Dr. Fraud: Do NOT respond to texts about unpaid tolls
Jun 04, 2025
Reprise: Managing traffic during road construction; and what about the zipper merge?
May 29, 2025
Predicting how long a road will last
May 22, 2025
Will congress move quickly on a highway bill?
May 08, 2025
The future of road funding
May 01, 2025
Some good news for understanding wildlife-vehicle collisions
Apr 24, 2025
Transportation funding in Michigan, some history
Apr 18, 2025
Work progresses on the final phase of rebuilding I-696
Apr 10, 2025
MDOT crews, other agencies respond to historic ice storm
Apr 03, 2025
Tariffs, automated vehicles and zero-emission planes
Mar 26, 2025
Road building 101
Mar 19, 2025
Bill to protect Mackinac Bridge moves forward
Mar 13, 2025
Evidence mounts that distracted driving laws make a difference
Mar 06, 2025
The vital role of transportation in Detroit’s resurgence
Feb 27, 2025
Highlights of Gov. Whitmer’s road-funding plan
Feb 13, 2025
Breaking down the federal funding challenges for transportation
Feb 06, 2025
Federal grants will benefit some vital Grand Rapids corridors
Jan 23, 2025
Rebuilding the third segment of I-696 begins soon
Jan 16, 2025
Meet MDOT’s director of economic development
Jan 09, 2025
Reflections from a retiring DOT environmental policy leader
Dec 19, 2024
As the snow flies, why is driving to the conditions so difficult?
Dec 05, 2024
Reprise: Why is MDOT naming snowplows? Thank the Scots
Nov 27, 2024
Report: Seat belt use slides slightly in Michigan but fewer drivers using hand-held devices
Nov 21, 2024
Why the road building industry is focusing on mental health
Nov 14, 2024
Mackinac Bridge Authority Vice Chairman Bill Milliken Jr. shares memories
Nov 01, 2024
Three-year I-96 Flex Route project draws to a close
Oct 25, 2024
How MDOT’s major projects office gets things done
Oct 18, 2024
Herculean effort results in a new bridge after historic mid-Michigan flooding
Oct 09, 2024
As car-deer crashes persist, MDNR urges hunters to take action
Oct 03, 2024
How a federal grant could lead to safer wildlife crossings in Michigan
Sep 19, 2024
What we can learn from western efforts to create safe highway crossings for wildlife
Sep 11, 2024
The dilemmas of transitioning to EVs with Chad Livengood
Sep 05, 2024
2020 podcast redux: Gov. Whitmer on her Rebuilding Michigan plan
Aug 29, 2024
A veteran automotive reporter talks EV sales, charging networks and more
Aug 21, 2024
How Michigan State Police deploy ghosts to curb distracted driving
Aug 15, 2024
The life and times of a DOT legislative liaison
Aug 08, 2024
Why are drunk driving arrests down while alcohol-related crashes are on the rise?
Aug 01, 2024
The people behind a most iconic international handshake
Jul 25, 2024
Managing traffic during road construction; and what about the zipper merge?
Jul 12, 2024
A veteran project manager highlights the value of engaging communities
Jun 27, 2024
New data finds Michigan drivers putting down their phones
Jun 13, 2024
How public transportation fuels economic development
Jun 06, 2024
Another successful launch of MDOT’s diversity recruitment program
May 16, 2024
Could Michigan shift from fuel taxes to road user charges to fund roads?
May 09, 2024
Reprise: Is it really cheaper to charge a battery than to fill up a gas tank?
May 02, 2024
How trails enhance our quality of life and boost the economy
Apr 25, 2024
Slow but steady progress on legislation to protect road workers
Apr 18, 2024
As construction season kicks off, a focus on protecting workers
Apr 11, 2024
Determining which roads to fix
Apr 05, 2024
How Complete Streets support mobility for all
Mar 20, 2024
Here’s how MDOT supports electric vehicle charging
Mar 14, 2024
Poll: Michiganders want taxes paid at the fuel pump to go to roads, but it’s not that simple
Feb 29, 2024
Gov. Whitmer’s proposed budget includes more to enhance opportunity for all
Feb 22, 2024
Gordie Howe International Bridge team continues to invest in communities
Feb 15, 2024
Why the state is asking citizens how to fund transportation
Feb 02, 2024
Meet Garrett Dawe, MDOT’s new engineer of traffic and safety
Jan 23, 2024
Gearing up for a bomb cyclone on the Lake Michigan shore
Jan 10, 2024
Meet Mike Hayes, chair of the STC
Jan 03, 2024
Insights from a top automotive industry reporter
Dec 07, 2023
Michigan’s first-in-the-nation EV charging roadway
Dec 01, 2023
Has the pandemic forever changed our walking habits?
Nov 21, 2023
Five months after enacting Michigan’s hands-free law, new data emerges
Nov 16, 2023
Senate committee takes up safety cameras to protect road workers
Nov 09, 2023
Safety experts seek solutions to wrong-way drivers causing crashes
Nov 02, 2023
A Michigan State House fiscal analyst breaks down transportation funding
Oct 26, 2023
How transportation improves economy, quality of life
Oct 20, 2023
Gov. Whitmer signs carpool lane bills for I-75 in Oakland County
Oct 11, 2023
Meet MDOT’s first director of new Office of Major Projects
Sep 27, 2023
How police are using license plate readers to solve and thwart crimes
Sep 21, 2023
Veteran automotive analyst talks EVs, labor negotiations and more
Sep 14, 2023
Managing floods when there’s nowhere for the water to go
Aug 31, 2023
Exploring Michigan's transportation infrastructure with Jason Gutting, newly named director of MDOT Field Services
Aug 24, 2023
Is it really cheaper to charge a battery than to fill up a gas tank?
Aug 14, 2023
What’s a mobility wallet and how does it fit with equity?
Aug 10, 2023
Celebrating 10 years of success in recruiting diversity at MDOT
Jul 31, 2023
Road user charges in Washington, e-bike battery fires and slower driving in Chicago
Jul 20, 2023
Fatal crash numbers remain high; advocates say "safety cameras" could help
Jul 13, 2023
Legislation advances to encourage ride sharing, reduce congestion
Jun 29, 2023
Why merging late on the highway makes sense…sometimes
Jun 22, 2023
Cycling advocates mark a victory as Gov. Whitmer signs distracted driving bills
Jun 12, 2023
Crash numbers, like some drivers, are going the wrong way
May 23, 2023
Chief advocate for driverless vehicles explains their lifesaving potential
May 23, 2023
Bans on hand-held phone use by drivers: Do they work?
May 17, 2023
The grades are in and Michigan infrastructure still needs help
May 11, 2023
Federal grants boost Michigan transportation investments
May 03, 2023
For Earth Day 2023, let’s talk about sunflowers, bees, and roadways
Apr 20, 2023
Bills would allow for work zone speed cameras, HOV lanes, other changes
Apr 17, 2023
MDOT wins federal grants to enhance rural transit, cross-border freight movement
Mar 23, 2023
Revisiting a conversation about automated speed enforcement in work zones
Mar 08, 2023
Recognizing minority transportation business success during Black History Month
Feb 27, 2023
Celebrating Black History Month, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist shares optimism for I-375 conversion
Feb 16, 2023
Revisiting the I-375 transformation during Black History Month
Feb 14, 2023
Michigan’s chief mobility officer reflects on achievements
Feb 07, 2023
Legislature appropriates $25 million for a key West Michigan freeway interchange
Jan 30, 2023
Study examines feasibility of tolling some Michigan roads
Jan 20, 2023
The Gordie Howe International Bridge takes shape
Jan 11, 2023
A recap of 2022 major road and bridge projects
Dec 22, 2022
Recapping 2022 transportation-related legislation in Michigan
Dec 08, 2022
Report recommends policies to enhance Michigan’s position as a mobility leader
Dec 02, 2022
The use of humor on highway signs and the future of DOT Twitter feeds
Nov 22, 2022
What’s in MDOT’s Five Year Transportation Program?
Nov 15, 2022
Tim Hoeffner, unplugged: What’s the future for passenger rail service in Michigan?
Oct 27, 2022
Equity in infrastructure: Taking the pledge
Oct 18, 2022
The property acquisition process for transportation projects explained
Oct 06, 2022
Public perceptions of roads and funding, Part II
Sep 28, 2022
The survey says… Michigan roads are improving
Sep 23, 2022
Sec. Buttigieg, Gov. Whitmer announce $105 million for I-375-boulevard conversion
Sep 15, 2022
As the Mackinac Bridge approaches the age of 65, a preview of this year’s Labor Day Annual Bridge Walk
Sep 01, 2022
How using technology to curb speeding in work zones has worked in other states
Aug 30, 2022
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist on reimagining Michigan Avenue in Corktown
Aug 15, 2022
How automated speed enforcement could save road worker lives
Aug 10, 2022
With $110 million to access, Michigan submits an EV charging plan
Jul 29, 2022
How legislation would protect Mackinac Bridge, other structures
Jul 22, 2022
A second Flex Route takes shape in Michigan, easing daily commutes for thousands
Jul 07, 2022
Meet three leaders in new and vital roles at MDOT
Jul 01, 2022
Extreme speeds during the pandemic captures police attention
Jun 21, 2022
A veteran of the House Fiscal Agency breaks down the transportation budget process
Jun 16, 2022
Funding roads like public utilities — through user fees
Jun 09, 2022
MDOT rail director touts opportunities presented by Sec. Buttigieg announcements
Jun 03, 2022
Visit a Michigan state park and charge your EV while you’re there
May 26, 2022
Inspecting and managing bridges during a long-term funding shortage
May 20, 2022
Rebuilding Michigan projects take shape across the state and an update on bonding
May 13, 2022
New research yields surprises on traffic safety messages
Apr 28, 2022
A pioneering agreement between Michigan and federal government for national parks
Apr 21, 2022
Even with rising costs, hundreds of road projects take shape
Apr 15, 2022
The challenges and perils of falling ice on the Mackinac Bridge
Apr 07, 2022
Fuel tax pauses, why U.S. transit projects cost so much, and EVs saving lives
Mar 31, 2022
The perils of decades of under investing in roads
Mar 24, 2022
Gov. Whitmer joins MDOT, community partners to celebrate a hurdle cleared for I-375
Mar 17, 2022
Local bridge bundling pilot kicks off
Feb 28, 2022
A Black History Month view from a veteran Michigan transportation leader
Feb 24, 2022
The Michigan tolling study, an update
Feb 18, 2022
Wireless charging and yet more mobility innovations in Corktown
Feb 09, 2022
Big snowfall is coming; how MDOT prepares
Feb 01, 2022
What federal funds can mean to Michigan bridges and innovations with carbon fiber
Jan 28, 2022
“I’m standing on the biggest infrastructure project in North America”
Jan 21, 2022
Who knew naming snowplows would be so popular?
Jan 13, 2022
What the heck is an aerial mobility corridor?
Jan 07, 2022
MDOT’s busy 2021 and more to come in 2022
Dec 22, 2021
A veteran researcher talks about why fatal crashes continue to rise in Michigan
Dec 16, 2021
An urban planner talks Complete Streets, collaboration and the future
Dec 10, 2021
$10 million federal grant will enhance connectivity in Detroit, with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and MDOT project manager Jon Loree
Nov 29, 2021
Shovel worthy transportation projects, acknowledging past mistakes and why so many crash deaths
Nov 23, 2021
A $1.2 trillion investment in infrastructure, some historic, global context
Nov 15, 2021
The pandemic brought faster vehicle speeds and more crashes; is automated enforcement one answer?
Nov 10, 2021
Recruiting plow drivers, preparing for winter travel and the view from the cab
Nov 02, 2021
What’s in the infrastructure bill for Michigan?
Oct 28, 2021
Recruiting and training to build transportation infrastructure as a “Sansdemic” looms
Oct 21, 2021
Meet the patient, witty and always engaged MDOT social media administrator
Oct 13, 2021
US-23 freeway reopens to traffic after emergency repairs on railroad bridge
Sep 28, 2021
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer puts Michigan in the driver's seat for electric vehicle charging
Sep 24, 2021
Another bridge hit, another freeway closed
Sep 16, 2021
Measuring bridge conditions across the country and progress in Michigan
Sep 10, 2021
The return of a Michigan tradition — The Mackinac Bridge walk
Sep 03, 2021
Second round of bonds fuel Rebuilding Michigan projects
Aug 20, 2021
Infrastructure bill: the big picture and what it means to Michigan
Aug 13, 2021
Easing parking anxiety: a revolutionary idea
Aug 05, 2021
Building the future by recruiting a diverse work force, developing talent
Jul 28, 2021
In the year 2045, what will transportation look like in Michigan?
Jul 22, 2021
Reopening a major freeway after a tanker fire
Jul 15, 2021
More bond sales fuel Rebuilding Michigan
Jul 07, 2021
Rethinking a Detroit freeway and honoring the past
Jun 30, 2021
So this is what they mean by building resilience into roads and bridges
Jun 28, 2021
Pandemic brought more severe crashes, a decline in seat belt use, and a disproportionate toll on Black and indigenous people
Jun 25, 2021
Earmarks are back, which Michigan projects will make the cut?
Jun 10, 2021
Sen. Gary Peters makes his case for the Biden infrastructure plan
Jun 03, 2021
As the pandemic wanes, will tourists return to Michigan roads?
May 26, 2021
Electric vehicle charging: Can Michigan meet the demand?
May 20, 2021
Why I got my shot!
May 13, 2021
Michigan hosts national work zone safety event - one advocate's motivation
Apr 29, 2021
Earth Day 2021: MDOT efforts to balance mobility and environmental protections
Apr 22, 2021
What the Interstate Highway System has done for the U.S. and what the future holds
Apr 16, 2021
President Biden’s infrastructure plan — some history and context
Apr 09, 2021
Is Infrastructure Week about to be more than a punchline?
Mar 30, 2021
One more time: Fewer people on the roads but more fatal crashes. Why?
Mar 25, 2021
What the stimulus bill means for transportation
Mar 11, 2021
The grades are in: U.S. roads get a D+
Mar 05, 2021
Trailblazers in Michigan transportation
Feb 23, 2021
What is bridge bundling?
Feb 11, 2021
Why is MDOT naming snowplows? Thank the Scots
Jan 29, 2021
What to expect in transportation from a Biden administration
Jan 25, 2021
Police see dramatic rise in speeds, fatal crashes during pandemic
Jan 13, 2021
MDOT year in review with Director Paul C. Ajegba
Dec 30, 2020
Mayor Pete for U.S. transportation secretary
Dec 18, 2020
Gordie Howe International Bridge and the future of Delray
Dec 14, 2020
Planning to clear snow from roads during a pandemic
Dec 04, 2020
Why automated vehicle advocates say the FCC dealt the nation a setback on safety
Nov 20, 2020
Detroit Free Press reporter Kristi Tanner talks about challenges facing Michigan bridges
Oct 29, 2020
Podcast focuses on worker deaths on road construction projects with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and MDOT maintenance supervisor Steve Wessels
Oct 22, 2020
Why are crash deaths on the rise despite fewer vehicles on the road?
Oct 02, 2020
Maintaining Bridges In An Era Of Climate Volatility
Sep 24, 2020
First bonds sold to fuel Gov. Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan plan
Sep 10, 2020
Freeway Of Love
Aug 26, 2020
Announcing a first-of-its-kind connected corridor
Aug 14, 2020
A conversation with tolling proponent Baruch Feigenbaum, Reason Foundation
Jul 16, 2020
Meet Trevor Pawl, Michigan’s chief mobility officer
Jul 07, 2020
Gordie Howe International Bridge: A court ruling and more community benefits
Jun 18, 2020
Restoring roads and bridges after mid-Michigan flooding
May 28, 2020
Federal stimulus for roads and Rebuilding Michigan
May 11, 2020
MDOT's Ron Jackson discusses maintenance during COVID-19 and work zone safety
Apr 23, 2020
COVID-19 and the effect on transportation in Michigan
Mar 19, 2020
Rising waters, why it’s happening and the impact on roads and bridges
Mar 12, 2020
Road Commission for Oakland County Manager Dennis Kolar discusses Michigan road funding formula
Feb 25, 2020
Detroit Chamber discusses Rebuilding Michigan, tolling and other funding options
Feb 14, 2020
MDOT finance officials break down the Rebuilding Michigan plan
Feb 06, 2020
Conversation with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer about her Rebuilding Michigan plan
Jan 31, 2020
Lt. Gov. Gilchrist on why he’s touring crumbling roads and Michigan’s role in the future of mobility
Jan 23, 2020
Talking connected vehicles and the North American International Auto Show 2020 Mobility Challenge
Jan 16, 2020
Andy Doctoroff discusses Gordie Howe International Bridge project
Jan 10, 2020
The science and research behind speed limits and why we are seeing more roundabouts
Dec 11, 2019
The Michigan Council on Future Mobility, driverless cars, toll roads and electric vehicle charging
Dec 06, 2019
How MDOT tackles winter
Nov 21, 2019
Discussion about legislation to study tolling in Michigan
Nov 15, 2019
Why we say "crash" and not "accident"
Nov 07, 2019
Work zone safety
Nov 01, 2019
Jeff interviews veteran Michigan pollster Bernie Porn, president of Epic-MRA.
Oct 24, 2019
Ken Sikkema and Bob Emerson have a plan to solve Michigan's transportation funding crisis.
Oct 17, 2019
MDOT's Ryan Mitchell Visits to talk about the Soo Locks and Innovative Contracting
Oct 11, 2019
A visit from former MDOT chief policy analyst, Polly Kent
Oct 02, 2019
Jeff interviews Chad Livengood, senior editor at Crain’s Detroit Business.
Sep 26, 2019
Meet veteran MDOT project manager, Mohammed Alghurabi
Sep 19, 2019
A visit from Brad Wieferich, director of MDOT’s Bureau of Development
Sep 12, 2019
2019 Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk
Sep 04, 2019
Conversation with MDOT Director Paul Ajegba
Aug 26, 2019