Traffic engineering
Traffic engineering is the use of engineering techniques to enable easy and safe movement on roadways. It involves the assessment of, and design of, optimal flows of traffic, encompassing factors such as road geometry, pavements, cycling infrastructure, road signs, road markings, traffic lights, and so on.
Traffic engineering forms part of the larger discipline of transport engineering, which also includes plane, boat, train and pedestrian traffic systems as well as roadways.
Traffic engineers ensure traffic volumes, lighting, signals, markings and signs work together to allow the most efficient and safest traffic flow, as well as making sure that speed limits are appropriate. On new road projects, they will project the traffic loads and patterns that will have to be accommodated, and ensure they are properly integrated with existing roads. On existing road projects, they may design alterations to accommodate changing traffic patterns or new developments.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Car park.
- Cycling and walking plan.
- Design standards for road development and improvement schemes.
- Integrated transport system.
- Multi-storey car park.
- Overview of the road development process.
- Road traffic management.
- Road improvement scheme consultation.
- Smart motorway.
- Traffic and transport.
- Transport assessment.
- Transport design and health.
- Types of road and street.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.

















