We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Roles

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What does a Traffic Engineer do?

By Cassie L. Damewood
Updated: Mar 02, 2024
Views: 14,063
Share

A traffic engineer is a transportation engineer who studies roads and highways and the habits of the people who use them. She uses this information to design transportation systems that best serve the most people in the most cost-effective manner. Analyzing traffic patterns and how they might evolve is an important part of her job.

To effectively analyze traffic patterns and make sound recommendations, a traffic engineer is commonly required to first gather information from several sources. She normally studies accident statistics and confers with police and traffic control personnel on the most dangerous streets and intersections. Options like speed bumps, directional signs and traffic signal adjustments are usually discussed as alternatives to reduce traffic and pedestrian mishaps.

She may also meet with traffic signal manufacturers and other engineers to review advancements in technology for improving traffic flow. Often timing lights in particular areas or at certain times of day can significantly improve traffic patterns and prevent bothersome backups during peak traffic hours. Accident rates can often be reduced through traffic light adjustments as well.

The physical conditions of roads and streets are also concerns addressed by a traffic engineer. She regularly examines existing roadways to assess their durability and applies her findings when planning future thoroughfares. If the materials or workmanship are found to be substandard, the traffic engineer is typically required to find possible alternatives. She is commonly expected to present her ideas and solutions to public works and transportation experts for review.

The focal point of a traffic engineer’s job is largely determined by the type of district in which she works. If she works for a state or regional agency, her main concerns are usually major roads that experience the most frequent and heaviest traffic. The safety and most economical upkeep of those highways is one of her main responsibilities.

If the engineer works for a city agency, she most likely spends considerable time studying urban parking and traffic congestion issues. Her proposed solutions to these problems are generally expected to be amenable to residents, visitors and governing agencies. Public transit matters are also a major concern for city traffic engineers.

A traffic engineer is regularly required to utilize computer aided design packages to study traffic patterns and determine how equipment modifications or road alterations could improve traffic conditions. She frequently creates visual presentations for meetings and seminars on traffic patterns and industry advancements. In addition to computer skills, a traffic engineer’s success largely depends on her ability to effectively communicate her concerns and solution proposals to a wide range of engineers, administrators and consultants.

The educational requirements for this position vary. Most jobs require a college degree in civil engineering, urban planning, or a related field. Professionals who later choose to use their degree to teach may need a master's or doctorate degree. Many engineers also attend seminars and training sessions required by their employer to expand their education.

Share
Practical Adult Insights is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.practicaladultinsights.com/what-does-a-traffic-engineer-do.htm
Copy this link
Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.