Department of Transportation
The Maricopa County Department of Transportation, commonly called MCDOT, manages transportation services connected with county roads, roadway improvements, right-of-way work, traffic operations, transportation projects, and several public reporting programs. This article explains what MCDOT handles, how residents can identify county-maintained roads, report roadway problems, review transportation projects, work with the permit process, request transportation records, and prepare information before contacting the department.
Transportation Services and Responsibilities
The Maricopa County Department of Transportation plans for transportation needs and operates a transportation system intended to serve county communities. Its work includes maintaining transportation infrastructure, developing roadway projects, managing traffic operations, reviewing work proposed within county right-of-way, and providing public tools for roadway information and service requests.
For residents, one of the most important distinctions is jurisdiction. A road located somewhere in Maricopa County is not automatically maintained by Maricopa County. Cities and other jurisdictions may be responsible for roads within their boundaries. MCDOT's online systems can help residents determine whether a particular roadway is maintained by the county before they submit a maintenance request or begin a permit application.
This jurisdiction check can prevent a common mistake: sending a pothole, vegetation, drainage, sign, or roadway repair request to MCDOT when another government agency maintains the road. It is especially useful when the location is near a municipal boundary or when the responsible agency is not obvious from the street address.
County Road and Closure Information
The Road Information Tool, or RIT, is one of the primary MCDOT systems available to residents. It provides map-based transportation information and can be used to see current road closures and determine whether a road is maintained by Maricopa County.
The map contains numerous selectable layers. Depending on what a user is researching, available information includes county-maintained roads, all streets, road classifications, road closures, transportation projects, right-of-way permits, subdivisions, parcels, supervisor districts, floodplain information, municipal annexation information, and the county boundary.
Verifying Road Maintenance
Before reporting a maintenance problem, use the county-maintained road information in RIT to confirm that MCDOT has jurisdiction. This is particularly important because the Notify MCDOT reporting system accepts requests only for Maricopa County-maintained roadways.
If the reporting system says that it cannot accept a request at a location, the roadway may be under another jurisdiction. The county directs residents to use roadway jurisdiction information to identify the appropriate government agency instead of repeatedly attempting to submit the same request to MCDOT.
Reviewing Road Closures
RIT also contains road closure information. Closure layers include road closure spots and road closure segments, allowing users to review mapped transportation restrictions. Because the county states that map data may contain errors or may not always be complete or timely, users should verify information when accuracy is critical to a decision.
The map is a useful starting point for determining roadway status, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed representation of every current condition. Maricopa County expressly states that the information is provided without a guarantee of accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or correct sequencing.
Reporting Roadway Problems
Residents can use Notify MCDOT to report non-emergency concerns involving Maricopa County roadways. The service is available as a mobile and web-based reporting system and uses a GPS location-based map to identify where the problem is located.
Examples of issues that can be submitted through the system include potholes, street repair needs, ADA accessibility concerns, drainage problems, overgrown vegetation, graffiti, litter, and illegal dumping. Users can also upload photographs that show the problem.
Information for a Service Request
MCDOT asks users to provide as much detail as possible so staff can determine how to address a reported concern. A useful request should include:
The address or roadway location of the problem.
A clear description of what is wrong.
Photographs when possible.
An accurate map location showing where the issue exists.
An email address if the user wants automatic status updates.
Photos should clearly identify the problem and, when possible, also show its location. MCDOT does not impose a limit on the number of photographs that can be submitted through Notify MCDOT.
GPS placement may not always identify the exact roadway position. The county states that the system may place an approximate location within about 100 feet. Users should review the on-screen map and adjust the marked location when GPS places the request away from the county-maintained road.
Request Status and Accounts
Creating a free Notify MCDOT account allows a resident to receive automatic updates regarding a submitted request. Registration is not required merely to follow an issue, however. Users who do not register can review a request's status through its location in the Notify MCDOT system.
Public requests remain visible on the map for others to review and share. The service itself has no user charge, and both the browser version and the application are free to use.
Situations Requiring Immediate Action
Notify MCDOT is not monitored around the clock and is not intended for emergencies or conditions that threaten public safety. MCDOT specifically directs people reporting a critical sign, flooded roadway, or traffic signal issue to use the department's immediate reporting procedure instead of relying only on the online service request system. Issues threatening public safety or requiring immediate attention should be reported to 911.
The online reporting tool is also not intended for matters requiring long-term planning, a larger community discussion, a community process, or coordination among multiple agencies. Those issues differ from routine service requests such as potholes and roadway repairs.
Transportation Project Information
MCDOT maintains a transportation project listing where residents can review current projects and their phases. The project system separates active and completed projects and allows users to filter information by phase, County district, and project area.
Project phases displayed by the county include scoping, design, construction, and complete. This distinction helps residents understand whether a roadway improvement is still being evaluated, is being designed, is under construction, or has already been completed.
Projects cover a wide range of transportation work. The county's listings include intersection improvements, roadway rehabilitation, drainage improvements, pedestrian facilities, ADA improvements, traffic signal improvements, bridges, sidewalks, paving, erosion repairs, and other transportation infrastructure projects.
Project Status Before Contacting MCDOT
Before contacting the department about planned construction near a home or business, review the project listing first. Matching the roadway name and project area can help determine whether the work is already part of a formal MCDOT project and what phase has been assigned to it.
A project that is still in scoping or design should not be confused with one already in construction. Likewise, a completed project may remain visible in the county's project information even though active construction has ended. Checking the listed phase first can make later communication with MCDOT more specific.
Right-of-Way Permit Requirements
MCDOT requires a permit for all work within its right-of-way. The county's MCDOT permit information explains the process for residents, developers, contractors, consultants, utilities, government agencies, and others doing work within County right-of-way.
Common reasons for obtaining an MCDOT permit include building a driveway, sidewalk, curb, or gutter; placing water, gas, or sewer pipelines; installing irrigation; placing structures such as signs, mailboxes, or fences; landscaping; and conducting certain special-event activities.
Permit Center Registration
The Permit Center is the county system used to streamline MCDOT permit requests. Each user must register with a unique email address. For converted permits, the county instructs users to register with the same contact email address associated with the permit so the converted record can be accessed.
This email requirement can be important when an existing permit or prior application needs to be found. Using an unrelated email address may interfere with access to the converted permit record.
Plan Review Before Issuance
MCDOT reviews and approves plans before issuing a permit for work within County right-of-way. The review is intended to ensure that proposed improvements follow adopted County standards and do not conflict with other improvements.
Submittals are reviewed in the order received. The county identifies a target substantive plan review time of 20 business days. Projects that overlap an MCDOT Transportation Improvement Project may require additional time because detailed coordination may be necessary.
Plan approval does not itself complete the permit process. Once a plan submittal has been approved, MCDOT can proceed with permit issuance for the proposed right-of-way work.
Permit Holders and Transfers
Permits may be issued to contractors, utility companies, government agencies, and resident owners of residential property. MCDOT permits are non-transferable. Someone preparing a project should therefore make sure that the permit application is associated with the appropriate permit holder rather than assuming an issued permit can later be transferred to another person or organization.
Fees, Insurance, and Bonds
MCDOT permit fees include a plan review fee, permit fee, and processing fee. The amount is calculated according to the type of review.
Liability insurance is required for most projects and must remain effective during the life of the permit. MCDOT states that a permit will be terminated if required liability insurance coverage lapses.
A performance bond is also required to provide financial assurance that approved work will be performed and completed according to the permit and County standards before the permit expires. The bond also covers restoration of the work site to the condition required by the permit or approved plans.
Except for a cash bond, other forms of assurance must receive pre-approval from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office before permit issuance. The county states that this approval can take up to two working days.
Changes After Permit Issuance
After a permit has been issued, a permit holder may request certain actions such as cancellation, extension, or refund. MCDOT instructs users to complete the Permit Action Request form and upload it to the previously approved case in Permit Center.
Connecting the request to the correct existing case is significant. A permit action concerns an already issued permit, so it should not be treated as an unrelated new application.
Permit Payment Safety
Maricopa County states that it will never request permit payment by wire transfer. Permit payments are made exclusively through Permit Center, where users can review and verify invoicing information.
The county also states that it will not request passwords or other confidential login information by telephone, email, or other communications. A communication requesting confidential credentials or directing a user to make a wire transfer should not be treated as a legitimate MCDOT permit payment request.
Technical Standards and Documents
Transportation work often requires more than a permit application. MCDOT publishes technical transportation documents covering design, construction, planning, permits, CADD standards, stormwater, construction management, and other engineering subjects.
Available materials include the Roadway Design Manual, Traffic Signal Design Manual, Pavement Marking Manual, Traffic Signing Manual, Traffic Impact Study Manual, drainage policies and standards, construction specifications, approved materials information, transportation planning documents, ADA materials, permit documents, and construction management materials.
People preparing engineering plans or transportation-related construction work should use the relevant County technical materials that apply to their project rather than relying solely on general permit descriptions. MCDOT's permit review is intended to confirm that improvements meet adopted County standards.
Current Document Versions
Technical pages may contain documents identified by year or update date. For example, the county reference lists a Roadway Design Manual 2026 with an effective date of March 30, 2026, a 2026 supplement to the MAG standards, and guideline special provisions updated May 28, 2026.
When preparing a submission, users should pay attention to the title and effective or revision date shown for the document they are using. A similarly named document from an earlier edition should not automatically be treated as the current County standard.
Public Transportation Records
Transportation-related records may be requested through the Maricopa County public records request system. The portal is designed to help requesters direct a request to the department that holds the records.
Users can search for commonly requested records by subject or select a department when they already know which county department maintains the material. If a requester is unsure which department should receive the request, the county directs that person to Information Governance.
Commercial and Non-Commercial Requests
The county distinguishes between non-commercial and commercial public records requests. A non-commercial request involves the use of public records for personal information rather than profit.
Commercial use includes obtaining public records for sale or resale, obtaining names and addresses for solicitation or creation of a list for resale, or another purpose in which the purchaser can reasonably anticipate monetary gain from direct or indirect use of the records.
Selecting the correct request type matters because the classification is based on the intended use of the records, not simply on the identity of the requester.
Adopt a Road Program
MCDOT's Adopt a Road program allows approved groups to remove litter from designated segments of roadway in Maricopa County. An approved permit gives the group permission to perform cleanup activities on its assigned roadway segment.
The permit expires after two years and may be renewed if a group wants to continue cleaning the same stretch of road. Participating groups must complete at least two litter cleanups each year.
Participant and Leader Rules
Each participating group must have a designated leader who is at least 18 years old. Children under 12 may not participate. Minors between ages 12 and 18 must submit a permission form signed by a legal guardian before participating.
Before each cleanup, participants must review the program's safety guidelines and sign a Liability Waiver/Photo Release form. MCDOT provides safety training to the group leader before the group's first cleanup.
Cleanup Supplies and Reports
MCDOT provides participating groups with safety vests, work gloves, litter grabbers, orange litter bags, and portable road crew caution signs. Supply amounts depend on the size of the participating group.
After each cleanup, the group leader must submit a Cleanup Report. Groups may dispose of collected litter bags themselves or ask an MCDOT maintenance provider to collect the bags after the cleanup.
The county also installs two group recognition signs, one at each end of the adopted roadway segment, for the duration of the group's permit as provided by program guidelines.
Traffic Operations and Technology
MCDOT also uses transportation technology to manage traffic and roadway operations. The department's transportation innovations information describes connected vehicle programs, adaptive traffic signals, traffic management systems, traveler information, and other technologies used or developed by the department.
Traffic Management Center
MCDOT's Traffic Management Center is staffed and/or monitored 24 hours a day to respond to roadway incidents and communicate current traffic information. Staff monitor information from sources that include traffic cameras, road sensors, public safety monitors and radios, media information, and regional transportation partners.
The Traffic Management Center can respond to traffic incidents by adjusting signal timing, deploying incident management crews, and distributing traveler alerts. Traffic information is communicated through methods such as dynamic message boards, email and text alerts, and other traveler information systems.
This 24-hour traffic-management function should not be confused with the Notify MCDOT service request system. Notify MCDOT is specifically described by the county as a non-emergency reporting tool that is not monitored 24/7.
Common MCDOT Filing Mistakes
Several avoidable problems can delay a roadway request or permit process. The most basic is failing to confirm jurisdiction. A street may be physically located within Maricopa County but still be maintained by another government agency. Checking the Road Information Tool before submitting a maintenance request can prevent that problem.
Another mistake is using Notify MCDOT for an emergency or a condition needing immediate public-safety attention. The service is designed for non-emergency County roadway issues. Critical situations need the immediate reporting method identified by MCDOT or 911 when public safety is threatened.
Permit applicants can create problems by treating plan approval as final permit issuance, overlooking insurance requirements, or attempting work under a permit associated with another permit holder. MCDOT's process separates plan review, permit issuance, fee payment, insurance, and performance bond requirements.
Payment requests should also be handled only through the authorized Permit Center process. Wire-transfer requests or communications asking for account passwords or confidential login credentials are inconsistent with the County's stated payment procedures.
For public records, requesters should distinguish commercial use from non-commercial personal use and direct the request to the department that holds the records when that department is known. For transportation project questions, checking the current project phase before contacting MCDOT can also help avoid confusion between planned, designed, active, and completed work.
Department and Office Contacts
Maricopa County Department of Transportation
2901 W. Durango Street
Phoenix, AZ 85009
602-506-8600
Adopt A Highway Program
2901 W Durango Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-4068
Department of Transportation FAQs
How do I request accessibility accommodations for an MCDOT public meeting?
Maricopa County provides accommodations intended to give people with disabilities equal access to County programs, services, activities, and public meetings. When an accommodation is needed for an MCDOT public meeting, the County recommends making the request at least three business days before the meeting whenever possible. This advance notice gives staff time to coordinate the requested accommodation. Residents can review accessibility-related information through the official MCDOT website.
How can contractors find upcoming MCDOT work?
Contractors and consultants can review the County's MCDOT business information for procurement guidance and upcoming construction or consulting projects that have not yet been released for bid. The County also explains how formal and informal solicitations are handled. Formal solicitations generally involve bids or proposals with an estimated value of $500,000 or more, while consultant lists may be used to identify firms for certain smaller informal solicitations. Firms should review the requirements for each opportunity instead of assuming that every transportation project follows the same procurement process.
What can delay an MCDOT consultant payment request?
Payment requests can run into problems when required information is missing or does not match the contract. MCDOT identifies common issues such as submitting a request before the work is completed, leaving out dates of service, failing to provide a breakdown of professional services, or billing rates that differ from the approved contract fee proposal. Contractors should also monitor contract, work-assignment, and insurance expiration dates. The County states that verbal agreements are not permitted and that changes affecting contract time or value must be handled through the appropriate formal process.
Where can I check MCDOT transportation planning documents?
The County's transportation technical page includes planning documents used in MCDOT work, including the Transportation System Plan 2040 and the Transportation Improvement Program. These materials are more appropriate for people researching long-range transportation planning, project development, engineering requirements, or professional work with the department than the general roadway service-request pages. Because documents can be updated, users should check the version and date shown on the County page before relying on a saved copy.