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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.