Transportation engineers are specialists within the discipline of civil engineering who work to ensure the safety and

efficiency of public roadways and transportation systems. Transportation Engineer Job Description Engineers in the field of transportation focus on the design, construction and maintenance of roads and transport systems that move people and goods. The major focus of transportation engineers includes main thoroughfares and highways due to their overt use. Highway engineering, infrastructure design and the materials that make up local and national highways comprise important aspects of a transportation engineer's job. Though roads often require the most attention of engineers in this field, they may also work on railways, airports, seaports and canals. Duties of a Transportation Engineer Transportation engineers have various duties based on specific job levels. Engineers must be able to evaluate plans and proposals drafted by other engineers and make changes if necessary. Other common duties include analysis of schematics and engineering data, offering recommendations for traffic and driving policies, designing transit means and analyzing the effects of transit on urban areas. In addition, transportation engineers may oversee plans with contractors and calculate the overall costs for a project. Simulating transport problems using computer models, and working out solutions Analysing and interpreting data gathered from transport studies Forecasting the impact of new developments Looking at schemes to manage traffic Studying accident 'black spots' to design road safety improvements Writing reports for funding bids and planning authorities Acting as an expert witness during public enquiries Prepares and checks detail plans, design calculations, cost estimations and recommendations prepared by other engineers for completeness, mathematical accuracy and conformity to engineering practices and standards. Compiles and analyzes engineering data and prepares conclusions and recommendations. Designs and prepares preliminary and final plans for highways, bridges, drainage structures, municipal utilities, roadway lighting, traffic control devices, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and miscellaneous highway facilities. Provides input for the development and maintenance of traffic management policies and procedures. Uses technology to monitor traffic flow and conditions. Discusses plans, specifications and work schedules with contractors, utility companies and other governmental agencies. May perform or oversee the survey, staking, layout and inspection of construction projects. Participates in studies to determine sufficiency of existing highway systems and structures and programming of future construction. Estimates cost of projects and writes contracts and specifications for labor, materials and equipment. Develops preliminary engineering treatments to determine construction feasibility and estimated costs. Investigates traffic problems and recommends methods to improve traffic flow and

safety. Meets with representatives of private industry, local organizations and citizens to discuss proposed highway construction activity. Interprets contracts, specifications and plans to contractors, subordinates and the public.