How to Be Civil Roadway Design Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 26, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for more efficient transportation systems has led to a greater need for experienced civil roadway design engineers. These professionals are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing safe and effective roadways that meet the needs of their communities. To achieve this, they must possess a thorough understanding of civil engineering principles, construction materials, traffic regulations, and even topography.

civil roadway design engineers must be able to work collaboratively with planners, land developers, and other stakeholders to ensure that their projects meet the goals of the community. Their work results in improved safety, reduced traffic congestion, and increased mobility, all of which benefit society as a whole.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. Obtain a four-year bachelor's degree in civil engineering, civil engineering technology, or another related field. Coursework should include classes in mathematics, science, engineering, and design.
Obtain Professional Licensure. Obtain professional licensure as a registered civil engineer. Requirements vary by state, but typically include a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and a few years of work experience.
Pursue Specialized Education. Pursue specialized education in the field of roadway design. This may include courses such as roadway design, bridge design, and traffic engineering. Many universities offer master's degrees in civil engineering with a concentration in roadway design.
Gain Work Experience. Gain work experience in roadway design by working for an engineering firm or government agency. This experience should include designing and constructing roads, bridges, and other infrastructure as well as managing projects.
Become Certified. Become certified as a Civil Roadway Design Engineer by completing the Certified Roadway Design Engineer program offered by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). This certification requires passing a written exam and completing a number of years of work experience in the field of roadway design.

The Roadway Design Engineer must stay up-to-date on the latest advances in technology, engineering principles, and safety standards in order to maintain efficient and effective roadway design. To stay current, the engineer must stay abreast of new materials, methods, and regulations, as well as attend seminars, conferences, and continuing education courses. Additionally, the engineer should participate in professional organizations such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to stay informed on the latest advancements in roadway design. By staying current on these topics, the engineer can ensure that their designs are efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

You may want to check Civil/Architectural Designer, Civil/Highway Designer, and Civil Engineering Design Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and design roadway and highway plans to meet federal, state, and local regulations.
Analyze roadway geometry to ensure compliance with safety standards, as well as aesthetic and environmental requirements.
Perform detailed calculations to ensure roads and highways are constructed in a safe and cost-effective manner.
Prepare and review construction drawings, reports, and correspondence, such as contract documents and construction plans.
Coordinate with other engineers, surveyors, contractors, and state and local agencies to ensure projects are completed within established guidelines.
Conduct field investigations to evaluate existing site conditions, such as existing roadways and bridges.
Prepare cost estimates for civil engineering projects related to roadway design.
Design drainage systems for new roads and highways.
Monitor construction activities by visiting job sites to ensure roads are built according to plan.
Provide technical assistance to public agencies and other stakeholders throughout the design and construction process.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of traffic engineering principles, methods, and procedures
Ability to develop roadway design plans to meet federal, state, and local engineering standards
Knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards related to civil engineering
Ability to develop technical reports and specifications
Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and other design software programs
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate projects with other teams
Understanding of cost estimating and construction management
Knowledge of materials and methods used in roadway construction
Knowledge of soil mechanics and hydrology principles
Ability to analyze and interpret survey data
Ability to evaluate and recommend improvements to existing roadways

Roadway design engineers are responsible for creating and maintaining safe and efficient roadway designs. To be successful in this role, they need to have a strong understanding of engineering principles, construction and maintenance practices, transportation regulations, and safety regulations. They must also possess excellent critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.

In addition, they must have knowledge of computers, software, and surveying to create and analyze roadway designs. Roadway design engineers must also understand the potential environmental impact of a roadway project and how to mitigate it. Finally, roadways design engineers need to be able to work well with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, and planners, to ensure successful projects.

With these skills, roadway design engineers can create safe, efficient, and cost-effective roadways that meet the needs of their stakeholders.

Civil Engineering Project Manager, Civil/Environmental Engineer, and Civil Maintenance Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Civil Roadway Design Engineering?
What Civil Roadway Design software have you used?
How have you incorporated safety into your designs?
Describe a recent project you have worked on related to Civil Roadway Design.
How have you worked with local agencies and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes?
What challenges have you faced in Civil Roadway Design and how did you address them?
How do you stay up to date with best practices and regulations related to Civil Roadway Design?
Describe a process you have used to create a roadway design plan from start to finish.
What strategies do you use to ensure a high-quality design that is cost-efficient?
How do you collaborate with other departments or disciplines to deliver a successful roadway design project?

Common Tools in Industry

Civil Design Software. A software package used to design and analyze roadways, with features such as pavement design and drainage optimization. (e. g. AutoCAD Civil 3D)
Traffic Analysis Software. A software package used to analyze traffic patterns and simulate the impact of roadway design changes on traffic flow. (e. g. VISSIM)
GIS (Geographic Information System). A software package used to manage and analyze geospatial data, such as aerial imagery and elevation data. (e. g. ArcGIS)
Survey Software. A software package used to collect and manage survey data, such as topography and existing infrastructure. (e. g. Trimble Access)
Construction Estimating Software. A software package used to estimate the cost of a roadway project, including labor and materials costs. (e. g. RSMeans)
CAD (Computer-Aided Design). A software package used to create detailed drawings of roadway layouts, such as cross-sections, grading plans, and longitudinal profiles. (e. g. AutoCAD)
Project Management Software. A software package used to manage the project timeline, budget, and resources. (e. g. Microsoft Project)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
National Association of County Engineers (NACE)
International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE)

We also have Civil Engineering Drafter, Civil Estimator, and Civil Engineer/Project Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Right of Way (ROW). The legal right of a person or entity to access, use and cross a specific piece of land.
Grade. The degree of inclination of a road, expressed as a percent.
Subgrade. The layer of material, typically soil, that is placed directly underneath the asphalt or concrete pavement.
Shoulder. The area between the travel lane and the roadside.
Clearance. The vertical distance between the highest point of a structure and the ground surface.
Sight Distance. The distance at which a driver can see a potential hazard or obstacle on the roadway.
Alignment. The horizontal location of the centerline of a road or highway.
Width. The lateral distance between the edges of the traveled way.
Pavement Markings. Paint, plastic or thermoplastic lines, symbols, words and other markings on the road surface used to guide traffic and increase its safety.
Drainage. The removal of excess water from the roadway to ensure safe driving conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Civil Roadway Design Engineer?

A Civil Roadway Design Engineer is a professional engineer who is responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of roads, highways, and other public infrastructure. They are responsible for creating plans and designs that meet safety, environmental, and aesthetic standards as well as meeting the budget and schedule of the project.

What qualifications do Civil Roadway Design Engineers need?

Civil Roadway Design Engineers typically need to have a bachelors degree in civil engineering, physics, or a related field, as well as licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE). They must also possess excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

What tasks do Civil Roadway Design Engineers typically perform?

Civil Roadway Design Engineers typically perform tasks such as conducting analysis of existing roads and traffic flows, preparing plans and designs for projects, overseeing construction of projects, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and managing budgets and schedules.

What tools do Civil Roadway Design Engineers use?

Civil Roadway Design Engineers typically use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans and designs. They may also use traffic modeling software to analyze existing roads and traffic flows, as well as other software for budgeting and scheduling.

What is the average salary of a Civil Roadway Design Engineer?

The average salary of a Civil Roadway Design Engineer is approximately $82,000 per year, according to PayScale.com. Salaries vary depending on experience, geographic location, and specific job duties.

Web Resources

Roadway Design Engineer Career Hub | Duke University careerhub.students.duke.edu
Roadway Design Engineer Career Center OU Online career.online.ou.edu
Roadway Design Engineer Career and Professional cpd.cau.edu