MDOT makes it easier to share Mi Drive traffic info

Contact: Jeff Cranson, Director of Communications, 517-335-3084

Agency: Transportation

March 15, 2012 -- Just in time for construction season, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has introduced a new feature on Mi Drive, the department's popular traffic data Web site. Now it is easy for users of the site to share updates of lane closures, traffic incidents, camera and map images, and other information that appears on Mi Drive at www.michigan.gov/drive by clicking on the Facebook, Twitter and e-mail buttons on the upper right-hand side. Local agencies also benefit by having a quick way to share construction and traffic incident information with affected area residents. The new buttons appear on both the Web-based and mobile versions of the site.

A new option also has been added to both versions to generate a link to whatever content you are viewing on Mi Drive. You can use the link to share information on personal Web sites and other social media sites or you can bookmark it on your browser for quick reference.

"MDOT is pleased to provide yet another free tool to help motorists plan their routes," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "For example, if you are meeting someone at a specific carpool lot, you can view that carpool lot on the Mi Drive map, zoom in on it, and send a link to the people you are planning to meet. It's so much easier than trying to describe where a lot is located. As always, we encourage motorists to drive safe and ‘Know Before You Go,' which means checking Mi Drive before you get behind the wheel."

The Mi Drive site provides real-time information for motorists traveling on I, M and US routes in Michigan. Improvements to the site are being funded with $250,000 in federal seat belt funding from the National Traffic Safety Administration. First launched in 2007, the Mi Drive site has been revamped several times, including the introduction of the mobile version in May 2011.

The site is maintained by MDOT, the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, the state's Center for Shared Solutions & Technology Partnerships, and the Intelligent Transportation Systems program office within the MDOT Division of Operations.

MDOT reminds drivers: Snowplows need room to groom.