A traffic incident manager will detect, monitor, and respond to various traffic management data sources and incidents to maintain safety and efficiency on local roadway systems. Real-time sources of traffic data may include CCTV cameras, other video detection sources, traffic sensors (weather, speed, and volume), traffic flow systems, alarms, police scanners, public phone calls, etc. A traffic incident manager may be asked to analyze or assess traffic events like construction zones, special events, congestion, traffic incidents, evacuations, or traffic equipment malfunctions. A traffic incident manager may also be asked to develop or implement response scenario plans for such incidents, including traffic control plans that indicate sign placement and traffic management plans at the scene. A traffic incident manager may help clear or manage major traffic incidents by providing information like the approximate duration of the traffic disruption, number of injuries or fatalities, number of lanes blocked, as well as to confirm or coordinate the arrival of emergency first response teams. Through coordination with local response teams and use of dynamic message signs and other ITS devices, the traffic incident manager will help mitigate traffic congestion by providing clear and concise safety information concerning local traffic incidents in roadway systems.
Communication Skills
Analyst/Logistician (Freight)
The data science analyst or logistician is responsible for extracting, organizing, integrating, analyzing, and communicating information obtained from a variety of transportation or supply chain data sources. The analyst/logistician will analyze data using SQL, SAP, and other standard statistical software and tools to inform business decisions and drive efficient performance across supply chain and logistics operations. The work of the analyst/logistician might also support inventory and asset management, cost savings, internal strategic analysis, mode selection/freight consolidation efforts, product tracking, customer service initiatives, and metric reporting to promote operations performance. The analyst/logistician that also serves as a project or program manager oversees all aspects of a project, supervising progress over the entire project life cycle.
Traffic Engineer
A traffic engineer will execute traffic signal, traffic operations, and intelligent transportation system design projects using civil engineering principles. A traffic engineer may work on traffic warrant and parking studies, transportation planning studies, traffic event management studies, and traffic signal/roadway design projects. Other design projects may include integration of connected and automated vehicle infrastructure, roundabouts, pavement markings, signings, and temporary traffic control devices. A senior engineer may review and make recommendations on existing and proposed signals, delineation, roadway lighting, and pavement markings. A traffic engineer should execute traffic engineering functions and activities to ensure efficient and safe traffic operations. An engineer with project management duties will manage project scope, schedule, and budget and serve as lead to bring a project to completion.
Other responsibilities typically include:
● Use of engineering software and equipment to perform engineering tasks.
● Collection and preparation of data for evaluation and engineering reports.
● Coordination of projects from planning through final design.
● Design or management of transportation facilities operations.
● Management of staff and technical resources for a given engineering project.
● Coordination of project tasks across a variety of stakeholders.
Download: Experiential Learning Programs for Civil Traffic/Transit Engineering Students