About
Roads connect people, communities and commerce. In Macomb County, there are more than 4,400 miles of roads and the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) is responsible for the maintenance and management of more than 1,700 miles of roadway, 225 bridges, more than 500 culverts, 900 traffic signals, including advanced traffic signal systems, more than 300 traffic cameras and 60,000 signs.
Our Mission
The Macomb County Department of Roads is dedicated to providing the public with a quality county road system, with a focus on safety and convenience for motorists and the community, environmental responsibility, and financial accountability.
Our Vision
The Macomb County Department of Roads is committed to improving Macomb County's road and bridge system by effectively delivering quality road and bridge products, services and information.
Our History
The creation of the county road system dates back to 1893. It was established by a vote of the people in each county in Michigan. A two-thirds vote of the Board of Supervisors placed the issue on the ballot and by 1905, 18 counties had established a system. In 1909, Act 283 required the Board of Supervisors to place the question on the ballot when 10 freeholders (land owners) in every township submitted a petition. Within 15 years, all counties had voted for a county road system.
For more than 100 years, county road agencies have served their communities and are responsible for the public road system, excluding state highways, city, village and private roads. Click here for a county map of roads by jurisdiction. These important roads are continuous throughout a county and are usually made contiguous with adjoining counties. Examples of such roads are Metropolitan Parkway (Big Beaver Road in Oakland County) and 14 Mile Road. MCDR’s primary source of funding is the Michigan Transportation Fund. This fund is supported by the state fuel tax and vehicle registration fees. MCDR's allocation is based on a formula, which includes factors such as population, miles of certified roads and vehicle registration fees.
In addition to the Michigan Transportation Fund, MCDR receives federal and state grants for specific construction projects and often partners with townships and cities in Macomb County on road projects. MCDR also has a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to maintain Macomb County's state trunklines, including patch work and winter maintenance. Macomb County's network of roads and bridges is essential to the success of our community. Macomb County's economic health depends on a system of transportation that serves every aspect of our community's needs. It assures jobs, business activity, education and an opportunity to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. MCDR is dedicated to success through progress in transportation, providing a safe, convenient and economically beneficial system of transportation for all Macomb County residents, motorists and visitors.