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 and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.