MiDrive: MDOT info for SmartPhones

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is making it easier for motorists with iPhones, Droids, and iPads to check road and traffic information before getting behind the wheel. The online site at www.michigan.gov/drive presents challenges to mobile version users, so MDOT says in response to feedback from motorists, it has made adjustments to improve small screen viewing.

The upgraded mobile version of Mi Drive now gives motorists the ability to:

– Scroll and zoom the interactive map without having to reload the map image

– Click on traffic incident and construction icons for more information

– See what’s happening on major routes via real-time camera views and changeable message signs in Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids

– Zoom in to any area of the map, using either your current location or selected cities and zip codes

– Check traffic flow on major Detroit and Grand Rapids routes

– Find MDOT carpool lots located around the state

“MDOT is committed to keeping motorists safe, mobile and informed with real-time travel information,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “The Mi Drive team continues to make improvements to the site to make it as easy as possible for motorists to plan their routes. In particular, we think Michigan residents who carpool will appreciate the convenience of being able to locate MDOT Park and Ride lot information on a smartphone.”

The mobile version of Mi Drive is not an app; it is a free site that any Web-enabled mobile device can access from one Web address: www.michigan.gov/drive.

The site will automatically direct you to the appropriate version (Web-based or mobile) depending on the device you are using. Because the mobile version of Mi Drive was developed to be as accessible as possible on a wide range of devices, results may vary with the type of device used. The new interactive map will not be available to Blackberry users; Blackberry devices will call up the original version of the map.

The mobile version of Mi Drive, along with improvements to the main Mi Drive site, was funded with $250,000 in federal seat belt funding from the National Traffic Safety Administration.