How to Be Traffic Signal Design Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 24, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Traffic Signal Design Supervisor plays a critical role in the safety of drivers and pedestrians. When roads are designed, the supervisor must ensure that traffic signals are well-positioned and designed appropriately to maximize safety and efficiency. Poorly designed signals can lead to a host of problems, including increased congestion, more frequent accidents, and longer wait times at intersections.

As a result, supervisors must have a deep understanding of traffic engineering principles and a comprehensive knowledge of the traffic regulations in their area. They must also be able to use modern systems and software to design roads and signals effectively. Furthermore, supervisors must keep up-to-date with new technologies, such as smart traffic systems, to ensure that signals are working optimally.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. A degree in civil engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and design traffic signals.
Consider earning a master's degree in civil engineering or related field. This will provide you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to successfully design traffic signals and better understand the complexities of traffic signal design.
Obtain certified as a professional engineer (PE) in the state where you plan to work. The PE credential is required for those wishing to become a Traffic Signal Design Supervisor.
Obtain work experience in traffic signal design or civil engineering, as most employers require at least two years of experience for applicants for Traffic Signal Design Supervisor positions.
Pursue additional certifications, such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Traffic Signal Design Certification or the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
Apply for open positions as a Traffic Signal Design Supervisor. Make sure to include your educational background, certifications, and experience on your resume and cover letter.

Properly designed traffic signals are essential for creating safe and efficient roadways for all users. When traffic signals are designed well, they provide drivers with clear information about when to stop and go, reducing the risk of collisions. In addition, well-designed traffic signals can help reduce traffic congestion, allowing people to get to their destinations more quickly and with less delay.

To ensure traffic signals are designed in an ideal and capable manner, it is important to have a qualified Traffic Signal Design Supervisor overseeing the process. This individual is responsible for designing and implementing the signal plans, determining appropriate signal timing, and monitoring the performance of the system. By having an experienced Traffic Signal Design Supervisor in place, the end product can be tailored to the specific needs of the roadway and its users, providing everyone with the best possible experience.

You may want to check Traffic Manager, Parking and Traffic Control Officer, and Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Plan, coordinate, and oversee the design of traffic signal systems for the efficient operation of urban transportation networks.
Develop traffic signal models, conduct traffic studies, and evaluate existing systems.
Design, draw, and oversee the installation of traffic signal systems including controllers, detectors, and other associated equipment.
Monitor installation activities, coordinate with local utilities, and review contractor plans to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards and regulations.
Inspect and troubleshoot traffic signal systems to diagnose malfunctions and make repairs or adjustments.
Prepare technical reports and documentation related to design projects.
Stay abreast of changes in traffic engineering, safety, and control technology.
Interact with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project completion.
Manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure timely completion of projects.
Train staff on traffic signal design software and other related topics.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of traffic engineering principles
Understanding of roadway design, geometric design, and transportation law
Ability to interpret construction plans and drawings
Ability to analyze and develop traffic signal timing plans
Ability to design and install traffic signals
Knowledge of traffic signal operations and maintenance
Knowledge of traffic control devices, including signs and markings
Understanding of traffic safety and crash data analysis
Ability to use software applications to assist with traffic signal design
Ability to manage projects within budget and timelines
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders

Good traffic signal design supervisors must have a comprehensive understanding of the physical laws governing traffic flow and the principles of traffic engineering. This knowledge is essential to ensure that traffic signals are designed and implemented effectively and efficiently. The supervisor must also be able to analyze data, interpret results, and make informed decisions regarding the best design for a particular location.

Furthermore, strong communication and organizational skills are necessary for traffic signal design supervisors to successfully coordinate with stakeholders, give presentations, and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously. Without these skills, traffic signal design supervisors would not be able to effectively manage the tasks associated with their jobs, leading to traffic congestion and other traffic-related issues.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation Planner, Traffic Signal Design Draftsperson, and Parking and Traffic Control Planner are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in traffic signal design?
How would you describe your approach to managing and overseeing traffic signal design projects?
What strategies do you use to ensure successful completion of projects on time and within budget?
Describe a challenging experience you have had with a traffic signal design project and how you overcame it.
How do you keep up with changes in traffic signal design technology and regulations?
What methods do you use to troubleshoot traffic signal design problems?
How do you balance the demands of multiple projects while still delivering quality designs?
What is your experience working with public agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) or Federal Highway Administration (FHA)?
How have you improved the efficiency of the traffic signal design process?
How do you ensure that the designs you create meet all applicable safety regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer Aided Design Software. Computer Aided Design (CAD) software enables Traffic Signal Design Supervisors to create, modify and optimize signal designs. (eg: Autodesk AutoCAD)
Microprocessor-based Controllers . These controllers are used to implement signal designs and provide the ability to adjust signal timing in response to real-time traffic conditions. (eg: Siemens S7-1200)
Traffic Simulation Software. Traffic Simulation software simulates traffic flows and provides the ability to analyze signal designs for various scenarios. (eg: Synchro/SimTraffic)
Network Analysis Software. Network analysis software is used to analyze the impacts of signal timing changes on the entire road network. (eg: PTV Vissim)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS enables the visualization and analysis of spatial data and allows integration of traffic signal design with other aspects of urban systems. (eg: ESRI ArcGIS)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Transportation Research Board (TRB)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA)
Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM)
Roadway Safety Foundation (RSF)
National Association of County Engineers (NACE)

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

Common Important Terms

Signal Timing. The timing of traffic signals, which includes the length and frequency of green lights and red lights.
Intersection Safety Analysis. A process used to identify potential safety problems at an intersection, such as inadequate sight distance or improper signal timing.
Geometric Design. The process of designing the layout of a roadway, including the shapes and dimensions of the lanes, parking spaces, medians, and other elements.
Right-of-Way Management. The process of acquiring and managing rights-of-way for traffic signals. This includes negotiating with private property owners and coordinating with other public agencies.
Traffic Engineering. The application of engineering principles to improve the safety, efficiency, and flow of traffic on a road or highway.
Signal Coordination. The process of timing traffic signals along a corridor to reduce delays and minimize fuel consumption.
Traffic Volume Counting. The process of counting the number of vehicles passing through an intersection during a specific time period.
Traffic Control Plans. Plans that describe how traffic should be managed at an intersection, including the type of traffic signals and signage to be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Traffic Signal Design Supervisor?

A Traffic Signal Design Supervisor is responsible for designing and overseeing the installation of traffic signal systems across multiple jurisdictions. They work with public agencies, engineers and contractors to ensure the efficient and safe operation of traffic signals.

What qualifications are needed to become a Traffic Signal Design Supervisor?

To become a Traffic Signal Design Supervisor, qualifications typically include a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a similar field, and knowledge of traffic engineering principles and related safety standards. A valid drivers license and certification in traffic signal design may also be required.

What tasks do Traffic Signal Design Supervisors typically perform?

Typical tasks performed by Traffic Signal Design Supervisors include designing, installing, and maintaining traffic signals; evaluating existing systems; creating diagrams and plans; and monitoring signal installation. They also provide technical assistance and guidance to public agencies, engineers, and contractors.

What is the average salary of a Traffic Signal Design Supervisor?

According to PayScale, the average salary of a Traffic Signal Design Supervisor is $72,085 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

What is the job outlook for Traffic Signal Design Supervisors?

The job outlook for Traffic Signal Design Supervisors is expected to be positive. As population growth continues to increase, there will be an increased demand for traffic signal systems, which will create job opportunities for qualified professionals.

Web Resources

Traffic Signal Academy | Center for Transportation trafficsignalacademy.utk.edu
TE-02 Traffic Signal Design: Engineering Concepts | TechTransfer registration.techtransfer.berkeley.edu
Traffic Supervision and Road Safety - docs.lib.purdue.edu docs.lib.purdue.edu