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What They Do

Civil Engineers Career Video

Insider Info

Traffic engineers solve problems related to traffic and transportation. They collect and analyze data, then determine appropriate tools or solutions. They might investigate traffic sign placement, traffic volume, flow, control, safety, roadway characteristics and parking usage.

They might also predict traffic growth on public highways given certain patterns of development. They make recommendations regarding the number of lanes to build and so on.

Traffic engineers could be asked to review plans of proposed subdivisions or construction projects to determine the effect on the traffic system. Open houses or other forums are often used to gather data from the public and determine public reaction to various solutions.

Traffic professionals must have excellent communication skills. They are called upon to make reports to mayors, elected officials and the public. They must be able to discuss complex technical terms in language that the ordinary person can understand.

"When I hire, I look for three main things: educational credentials, references and how well the person communicates during the interview," says Jan Voss. He is president of an institute for transportation engineers.

Many traffic engineers do computer simulations of traffic flow or proposed traffic solutions.

Budgeting and cost analyses are important. When making recommendations, traffic engineers must be able to estimate the cost of the project or suggest a solution that will be cost-effective.

Some traffic engineers act as expert witnesses in court cases.

Kari Fellows is a traffic engineer. She says a person with a physical disability would be able to work as a traffic engineer. "Most of what we do involves computer work or 'head work,'" she says. "If you can manage to visit intersections and other locations, you will have no problems."

Traffic engineers work for all levels of government. They also work for private engineering firms and research institutes. Some are self-employed consultants. Others teach at colleges or universities.

At a Glance

Solve transportation-related problems

  • You'll need excellent communication skills
  • You could act as an expert witness in court cases
  • Most traffic engineers have a degree in civil engineering

Contact

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    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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