How to Be Highway Traffic Signal System Designer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 30, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Highway traffic signal systems have become increasingly important for managing the flow of traffic on roadways. These systems are designed to help reduce the number of accidents, improve traffic flow, and ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. Properly designed systems can achieve these goals by providing well-timed signals to alert drivers when they should stop or go.

They also enable drivers to make informed decisions based on the traffic flow, helping to minimize congestion and delays. signals can be programmed to give priority to certain vehicles, such as emergency vehicles, allowing them to quickly get to their destination. By investing in effective traffic signal systems, cities and towns can reap many benefits, including improved safety, increased efficiency, and reduced travel times.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a Highway Traffic Signal System Designer is to earn a bachelors degree in civil engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Courses in physics, calculus, and design are important for those interested in this career.
Gain Experience. Many employers will look for candidates with experience in the field, so internships or working as a technician in a highway traffic signal system design firm is an excellent way to gain experience.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification as a Professional Traffic Signal Designer (PTSD) is a good way to demonstrate expertise and increase your chances of securing a job. To obtain certification, you must pass an exam administered by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).
Pursue Advanced Degrees. Obtaining an advanced degree such as a Masters in civil engineering or electrical engineering can be beneficial for those interested in becoming Highway Traffic Signal System Designers.
Stay Up-to-Date. Highways and traffic signals are always changing, so it is important for Highway Traffic Signal System Designers to stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends. This can be done through continuing education classes, attending conferences, and reading industry publications.

Highway traffic signal systems are essential for ensuring the safety of drivers and pedestrians. Having an ideal and capable system in place can help to reduce the risk of collisions, fatalities, and traffic congestion. To design an efficient system, engineers must consider a range of variables such as the volume of traffic, the layout of the road, and the needs of pedestrians.

They must also use advanced technology to detect and react to changing traffic conditions. By carefully evaluating these factors and implementing appropriate solutions, engineers can create a system that will maximize safety and efficiency on highways.

You may want to check Airport Security Technicians, Traffic Signal Maintainer, and Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement highway traffic signal system designs to meet the requirements of projects.
Develop engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for highway traffic signal system projects.
Perform feasibility studies and field investigations to analyze traffic flow patterns, safety and operational issues, and identify potential improvements.
Utilize traffic signal system software and/or hardware to design, simulate, and model traffic signal systems.
Analyze and evaluate existing traffic signal systems, including signal timing and phasing, for potential modifications.
Prepare reports including cost estimates, design plans, and other technical documents related to highway traffic signal system projects.
Coordinate with other engineering disciplines such as electrical, civil, and structural engineers to develop comprehensive designs for highway traffic signal projects.
Design and implement traffic signal system control strategies such as adaptive signal control systems.
Develop construction documents and provide technical assistance during construction of highway traffic signal system projects.
Monitor construction progress and inspect traffic signal systems to ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles and practices.
Understanding of traffic engineering concepts, principles, and practices.
Experience in the design, development, and implementation of highway traffic signal systems.
Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other applicable standards and regulations.
Ability to analyze traffic data and develop signal timing plans.
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software for the creation of electrical designs.
Experience in hardware and software troubleshooting, including hardware/software installation and repair.
Ability to effectively communicate technical information in verbal and written form.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Having a strong knowledge of traffic engineering is essential for successful highway traffic signal system design. Knowing how to appropriately place and manage signals, how to optimize signal timings for peak and non-peak hours, and how to incorporate feedback from drivers are all critical components of creating a successful system. Additionally, an understanding of the local infrastructure, available materials, and regulations is essential for selecting the right equipment, designing an efficient layout, and achieving the desired results. With this knowledge, designers can craft a system that will maximize safety and efficiency while minimizing the cost and impact on the environment.

Traffic Controller, Highway Traffic Signal Operations Engineer, and Airport Passenger Service Agent are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in designing highway traffic signal systems?
What challenges have you faced when designing highway traffic signal systems?
How do you ensure safety when designing highway traffic signal systems?
How do you ensure the systems are compliant with local laws and regulations?
How do you handle changes in traffic patterns and flow?
How do you work with stakeholders on planning and implementation?
What strategies do you use to reduce congestion and improve efficiency?
How do you stay up to date with new technology and trends in the field?
How do you stay current on industry standards such as NEMA and ITE?
How do you troubleshoot issues with existing signal systems?

Common Tools in Industry

SCATS Traffic Signal System. A computer-controlled traffic signal system that uses real-time data to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety. (Example: Sydney, Australia)
Synchro/SimTraffic. A traffic simulation software used to model and analyze traffic flow, intersection operations and pedestrian flow. (Example: Qatar University)
VISSIM. A microscopic simulation software for traffic engineering, which allows users to create virtual environments to simulate traffic intersections. (Example: Frankfurt Airport)
TRANSYT. A traffic engineering software used to analyze, model and optimize traffic flow at intersections or on networks. (Example: The University of Toronto)
AutoTURN. A 3D simulation software used to design safe turning paths for vehicles at intersections. (Example: City of Los Angeles)
TRAF-NETSIM. A network-level traffic simulation software used to evaluate the capacity, safety and operations of transportation networks. (Example: The University of Michigan)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America)
Transportation Research Board (TRB)
International Association of Public Transportation (UITP)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
Traffic Safety Coalition (TSC)
National Signal and Lighting Association (NSLA)
International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA)
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)

We also have Highway Traffic Operations Technician, Traffic Signal Design Project Manager, and Traffic Signal Design Draftsperson jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Intersection. A junction where two or more roads intersect.
Traffic Light. A device used to control the flow of vehicles along a road at an intersection.
Pedestrian Crossing. A marked area in which pedestrians have priority over vehicles.
Signal Timing. The process of setting the timing parameters for a signalized intersection.
Signal Phasing. The sequence of signal indications at an intersection, typically green, yellow, and red.
Cycle Length. The total time a signal remains in any single phase before progressing to the next phase.
Split Phase. A signal timing technique that allows different movements to be served during different signal phases.
Preemption. A signal timing technique that allows emergency vehicles to take priority over other vehicles.
Traffic Counts. The data collected from counting the number of vehicles passing through an intersection.
Conflict Points. Locations where conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians can occur, such as at an intersection or crosswalk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Highway Traffic Signal System Designer?

The Highway Traffic Signal System Designer is a computer software program designed to help engineers and planners design, optimize, and troubleshoot traffic signal systems.

What types of traffic signals can be designed with this software?

Highway Traffic Signal System Designer can design a variety of traffic signals including simple two-way stops, four-way stops, and advanced signal systems with multiple lanes and phases.

What are the main features of this software?

The main features of the Highway Traffic Signal System Designer include an intuitive user interface, advanced signal timing analysis tools, and conflict monitor simulations.

How can this software help optimize traffic flow?

Highway Traffic Signal System Designer can help optimize traffic flow by analyzing signal timing parameters, such as cycle length, split times, and start-up lost times. It can also be used to simulate different scenarios to find the most efficient signal timing configuration.