This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of traffic engineering, focusing on the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. It covers core topics such as traffic flow theory, geometric design standards, signal systems, and traffic calming measures. Participants will learn the techniques used to analyze traffic data, assess network performance, and design effective operational improvements. The goal is to equip professionals with the technical skills necessary to manage traffic, enhance safety, and balance the needs of all road users.
Traffic Engineering and Management
Urban Planning and Development
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide participants with the technical knowledge and analytical tools essential for effective traffic engineering and management. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Target Audience
- Traffic and Transportation Engineers
- Civil Engineers involved in road design
- Public Works and Municipal Operations Staff
- Engineering Consultants and Designers
- Transportation Planners needing technical skills
- Law Enforcement Personnel involved in traffic safety
- Students in Civil Engineering or Transportation Planning
Methodology
- Hands-on Exercises with traffic flow calculation and capacity analysis
- Group Activities: Designing a signal timing plan for a complex intersection
- Case Studies on safety improvements using the Safe System approach
- Individual Exercises: Conducting a Road Safety Audit (virtual or physical)
- Software demonstrations of traffic simulation (e.g., HCS, Synchro, Vissim)
- Expert discussions on the legal liability in traffic engineering decisions
Personal Impact
- Master the technical language and quantitative methods of traffic engineering
- Improve ability to design safe, efficient, and compliant roadway geometry
- Gain expertise in traffic signal timing and network optimization
- Enhance understanding of traffic safety analysis and crash reduction techniques
- Develop proficiency in using industry-standard manuals and software tools
- Be prepared to address the operational challenges of new mobility technology
Organizational Impact
- Reduce traffic congestion and delays, improving economic productivity
- Dramatically increase roadway safety and reduce traffic fatalities
- Ensure compliance with national and international traffic control standards
- Optimize the use of existing infrastructure capacity through better management
- Facilitate the safe and efficient integration of multi-modal users
- Improve the agency's ability to justify and prioritize infrastructure spending
Course Outline
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Traffic Flow Theory
Traffic Studies and Data Collection- Key traffic characteristics: volume, speed, density, and flow rate
- Techniques for conducting traffic counts and origin-destination studies
- Measuring spot speed, travel time, and delay studies
- Statistical analysis and presentation of traffic data
- Understanding vehicle performance and driver characteristics
- The Fundamental Diagram of Traffic Flow (relationship between speed, flow, density)
- Introduction to capacity analysis and Level of Service (LOS) concept
- Understanding queueing theory and delay calculations
- Microscopic, macroscopic, and mesoscopic traffic simulation modeling basics
Unit 2: Geometric Design and Safety
Geometric Design Principles- Applying AASHTO (or local equivalent) design standards for highways and streets
- Elements of horizontal and vertical alignment (curves, grades, sight distance)
- Design criteria for intersections: channelization, turning radii, and sight triangles
- Designing driveways and access management techniques
- Cross-section design: lane width, shoulders, and median treatments
- Methods for conducting accident analysis and identifying high-risk locations
- Safety performance functions (SPFs) and predictive safety analysis
- Road Safety Audits (RSAs) and their systematic approach
- The Safe System Approach and Vision Zero engineering principles
- Design of roadside safety features (e.g., barriers, clear zones)
Unit 3: Traffic Control Devices
Signs and Markings- Applying the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards
- Design and placement of regulatory, warning, and guide signs
- Pavement marking standards (lanes, crosswalks, stop bars)
- Principles of signing for effective navigation and driver expectancy
- Warrants for traffic signal installation and justification
- Basic signal timing principles: phases, cycle length, and green splits
- Introduction to coordinated signal systems and time-space diagrams
- Adaptive signal control technology (ACT) and its optimization techniques
- Design of signal heads, detection systems (loops, video), and controllers
Unit 4: Traffic Management Strategies
Operational Management- Techniques for managing non-recurrent congestion (incidents, weather)
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) components and deployment
- Ramp metering and freeway management strategies
- Temporary traffic control (TTC) for work zones and construction areas
- Parking management and the use of pricing as a demand management tool
- Principles and selection of various traffic calming devices (e.g., speed humps, roundabouts)
- Evaluating the effectiveness and community impact of calming measures
- Designing intersections and facilities for pedestrian and bicycle priority
- Shared street concepts and their operational implications
Unit 5: Advanced Topics and Future Trends
Technology and Automation- The role of data analytics and big data in real-time traffic management
- Preparing infrastructure for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs)
- Sensor technologies, communication protocols, and data standards
- Cybersecurity and resilience in traffic control systems
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