To be an effective and efficient transportation engineer, one must have the required skills.

First, knowledge of intelligent transportation.

What is an intelligent transportation system (ITS)?

An intelligent transportation system (ITS) is a technology, application or platform, that improves the
quality of transportation or achieves other outcomes based on applications that monitor, manage or
enhance transportation systems. It relies heavily on collecting data and its analysis. Once the system is
built to collect data and analyze it, the results are then used control, manage and plan transportation.
Sensors play an important role in data collection.

City roads are succumbing to the pressure of a growing urban population. One of the main applications
of an intelligent transportation system is smart traffic management. Some of the other applications are:

Real-time parking management

Electronic toll collection (Radio Frequency Identification)

A Philippines toll road has become the first in the country to launch an RFID-based electronic toll
collection (ETC) system. The Metro Pacific Tollways Corp (MPTC), which is the concessionaire for the
Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex), has launched Easy Drive, a new prepaid paper-thin battery-less
sticker that uses RFID technology.

(The 14km expressway links the capital, Metropolitan Manila, with the southern province of Cavite, and
is used by an average of 110,000 vehicles per day. MPTC expects a 13% penetration rate for its Easy
Drive services within the next 6 months and plans to introduce the system on the North Luzon
Expressway (NLEX) before the end of the year, as part of its goal of inter-operability on its tollway
network.)

Motorists only need to slow down, not make a full stop, to pay their toll, as the RFID system can
perform transactions at 3 to 4 seconds per vehicle.

The Cavitex Infrastructure (CIC) and Philippine Long-Distance Telephone (PLDT) have installed a fiber
optic backbone along the Cavitex, as part of a major systems upgrade related to toll collection,
telecommunications and security operations.

Other upgrades include the completion of a Toll Collection Migration system, which consists of the
improvement of the telecommunication system and installation of surveillance cameras that will enable
traffic control room personnel to monitor the expressway.

Emergency vehicle notification systems

Automated road speed enforcement. Photo radar cameras detect the speed of a moving vehicle using
radar, (taking a picture) when a vehicle is detected speeding. The cameras work remotely with no police
officer or operator. Speed cameras may also be called Automated Speed Enforcement systems.

Speed alerts

How this technology works

Speed alert systems help the driver stay within the speed limits. Most systems use a camera that can
read speed limit information and remind drivers of the current speed limit via a display on the
instrument panel. Other systems feature stored digital speed maps with GPS that display the posted
speed limit and alert drivers either by a visual or audio alert when they drive above the speed limit.
Newer systems combine information from both sources, a camera and digital speed map.

Other names for this technology

High Speed Alert

Intelligent Speed Alert

Speed Alarm

RFID in freight transportation.

Perhaps one of the most common uses of RFID technology is to track shipping containers as they move
along the shipping process. A container can be scanned at the port and then again once it arrives at the
right destination, giving a live feed of where the container is up to in its journey

Variable speed limits

Dynamic traffic light sequence

Collision avoidance systems. CAS, also known as precrash system, forward collision warning system, or
collision mitigating system, uses radar or other sensors (eg, laser and camera) to detect an imminent
crash, and then provides a warning to the driver or takes braking/steering action directly.

the Traffic Management Center and the traveller

Intelligent Information

Real-time information like travel time, travel speed, delay, accidents on roads, change in route,
diversions, work zone conditions etc.
delivered by a wide range of electronic devices like variable message signs, highway advisory radio,
internet, SMS, automated cell.

Examples of the intelligent transportation system (ITS)

In the city of Glasgow, Scotland, Intelligent Transport System gives regular information to the daily
commuters about public buses, timings, seat availability, the current location of the bus, the time taken
to reach a particular destination, next location of the bus and the density of passengers inside the bus.

The Seoul government has designed the routes of its new night bus services based on an analysis of
night-time mobile phone location data. The city worked with private telecoms companies to analyse
calls made between midnight and 5 am, and matched this data, anonymously and in aggregate, with
billing addresses to determine which routes would experience greater demand for overnight services.

The city of New Orleans has optimised the locations of its ambulances on standby, based on patterns of
emergency calls.

The highly anticipated Sydney Metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project, will feature a driverless
mass-transit system that is anticipated to nearly double the city’s existing transit capacity. Operations of
the 36-km Northwest line are expected to start in 2019.

The Cityringen project in Copenhagen is a very ambitious project. The Cityringen is a driverless metro
that will form a new circular line in the center of the city and consists of two parallel tunnels some 15.5
km long and 17 underground stations, situated an average of 30 meters below street level. The fully
automated line is driverless and once fully operational, will provide a 24-hour transport system that
guarantees the mobility of 240,000 passengers a day (or 130m a year).

Second, knowledge of transportation management systems technology and applications.

Traffic Management refers to the combination of measures that serve to preserve traffic capacity and
improve the security, safety, and reliability of the overall road transport system. These measures make
use of ITS systems, services and projects in day-to-day operations that impact on road network
performance.

Intersection is an area shared by two or more roads. This area is designated for the vehicles to turn to
different directions to reach their desired destinations. Its main function is to guide vehicles to their
respective directions.

3 Levels of intersection control

The control of an intersection can be exercised at different levels. They can be either passive control,
semi control, or active control. In passive control, there is no explicit control on the driver. In semi
control, some amount of control on the driver is there from the traffic agency. Active control means the
movement of the traffic is fully controlled by the traffic agency and the drivers cannot simply maneuver
the intersection according to his choice.

3.1 Passive control

When the volume of traffic is less, no explicit control is required. Here the road users are required to
obey the basic rules of the road. Passive control like traffic signs, road markings etc. are used to
complement the intersection control. Some of the intersection control that are classified under passive
control are as follows:

No control. If the traffic coming to an intersection is low, then by applying the basic rules of the road like
driver on the left side of the road must yield and that through movements will have priority than turning
movements. The driver is expected to obey these basic rules of the road.

Traffic signs:  With the help of warning signs, guide signs etc. it can provide some level of control at an
intersection. Give way control, two-way stop control, and all-way stop control are some examples. The
GIVE WAY control requires the driver in the minor road to slow down to a minimum speed and allow the
vehicle on the major road to proceed. Two ways stop control requires the vehicle drivers on the minor
streets should see that the conflicts are avoided. Finally, an all-way stop control is usually used when it is
difficult to differentiate between the major and minor roads in an intersection. In such a case, STOP sign
is placed on all the approaches to the intersection and the driver on all the approaches are required to
stop the vehicle. The vehicle at the right side will get priority over the left approach. The traffic control
at ’at-grade’ intersection may be uncontrolled in cases of low traffic. Here the road users are required to
obey the basic rules of the road. Passive control like traffic signs, road markings etc. are used to
complement the intersection control.

Traffic signs plus marking:  In addition to the traffic signs, road markings also complement the traffic
control at intersections. Some of the examples include stop line marking, yield lines, arrow marking etc.

3.2 Semi control

In semi control or partial control, the drivers are gently guided to avoid conflicts. Channelization and
traffic rotaries are two examples of this.

Channelization:  The traffic is separated to flow through definite paths by raising a portion of the road in
the middle usually called as islands distinguished by road markings. The conflicts in traffic movements
are reduced to a great extent in such a case. In channelized intersections, as the name suggests, the
traffic is directed to flow through different channels and this physical separation is made possible with
the help of some barriers in the road like traffic islands, road markings etc.

Traffic rotaries: It is a form of intersection control in which the traffic is made to flow along one direction
around a traffic island. The essential principle of this control is to convert all the severe conflicts like
through and right turn conflicts into milder conflicts like merging, weaving and diverging.  It is a form of
‘at-grade’ intersection laid out for the movement of traffic such that no through conflicts are there.
Free-left turn is permitted whereas through traffic and right-turn traffic is forced to move around the
central island in a clockwise direction in an orderly manner. Merging, weaving and diverging operations
reduces the conflicting movements at the rotary.

3.3 Active control

Active control implies that the road user will be forced to follow the path suggested by the traffic control
agencies. He cannot maneuver according to his wish. Traffic signals and grade separated intersections
come under this classification.

Traffic signals: Control using traffic signal is based on time sharing approach. At a given time, with the
help of appropriate signals, certain traffic movements are restricted whereas certain other movements
are permitted to pass through the intersection. Two or more phases may be provided depending upon
the traffic conditions of the intersection. When the vehicles traversing the intersection is very large, then
the control is done with the help of signals. The phases provided for the signal may be two or more. If
more than two phases are provided, then it is called multi-phase signal.

The signals can operate in several modes. Most common are fixed time signals and vehicle actuated
signals. In fixed time signals, the cycle time, phases and interval of each signal is fixed. Each cycle of the
signal will be exactly like another. But they cannot cater to the needs of the fluctuating traffic. On the
other hand, vehicle actuated signals can respond to dynamic traffic situations. Vehicle detectors will be
placed on the streets approaching the intersection and the detector will sense the presence of the
vehicle and pass the information to a controller. The controller then sets the cycle time and adjusts the
phase lengths according to the prevailing traffic conditions.

Grade separated intersections:  The intersections are of two types. They are at-grade intersections and
grade-separated intersections. In at-grade intersections, all roadways join or cross at the same vertical
level. Grade separated intersections allows the traffic to cross at different vertical levels. Sometimes the
topography itself may be helpful in constructing such intersections. Otherwise, the initial construction
cost required will be very high. Therefore, they are usually constructed on high-speed facilities like
expressways, freeways etc. These type of intersection increases the road capacity because vehicles can
flow with high speed and accident potential is also reduced due to vertical separation of traffic.

4 Channelized intersections

Vehicles approaching an intersection are directed to definite paths by islands, marking etc. and this
method of control is called Channelization. Channelized intersection provides more safety and efficiency.
It reduces the number of possible conflicts by reducing the area of conflicts available in the carriageway.
If no channelizing is provided the driver will have less tendency to reduce the speed while entering the
intersection from the carriageway. The presence of traffic islands, markings etc. forces the driver to
reduce the speed and becomes more cautious while maneuvering the intersection. A channelizing island
also serves as a refuge for pedestrians and makes pedestrian crossing safer. Channelization of traffic
through a three-legged intersection (refer figure  2) and a four-legged intersection (refer figure  3) is
shown in the figure.
Traffic Control Devices include street signs, traffic signals, and road markings. These signs, signals, and
stripes guide drivers in navigation and control of their vehicles. Traffic signals are treated above in the
section Traffic Signals. Signs and striping, the other controls, have usage described in the Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Road signs in the United States are standardized in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the
history of the evolution of this document is given in.[1][2][3][4] Signs evolved from local practice, cities
and states copying neighbors, and inventing what they needed, and then later standardizing (first for
rural and urban areas separately, and then jointly) after the value of coordination became apparent
when automobile travelers crossed jurisdictional boundaries. From the first center line in Michigan in
1911, stop sign in 1915, a 1923 established the basis of the shapes used for road signs today. The
Mississippi Valley Association of State Highway Departments proposed the following. Shapes which
were most complex to make (circle, octagon) would indicate most danger and be used least often.

Round: Used to warn of RR crossing;

Octagon: Used only to signify a stop;

Diamond: used to indicate ordinary condition of danger requiring precaution at all times;

Square: Used to indicate intermittent danger conditions requiring little more than ordinary care;

Rectangular: Used to indicate regulatory or directional information;

Cut-Out; Used a distinctive shape different from the above to identify highway routes.

This system was improved over time. In 1924 the Minnesota Department of Highways published
its Manual of Markers and Signs with the same shapes, but the white background was made yellow. In
1924, the American Association of State Highway Officials adopted the MVASHD plan (with black on
yellow), however Red and green on signs rejected because of visibility at night.

Separately, standards were being developed for cities. Traffic signals are largely an urban phenomenon.
While the date of the first traffic signal is contested, the electric traffic signal appeared in Cleveland in
1914, and the first three-color traffic signal in 1920. In 1924 the National Conference on Street and
Highway Safety developed urban sign recommendations:

Stop = Red,

Proceed = Green,

Caution = Yellow,

Cross-Roads = Purple or other distinctive color.

Centerlines = White, but these were to be used only where it was unsafe to be on the left side of the
road (curves, hill crests, intersections, railroad crossings)

Regulatory Signs

They include stop signs, yield signs, turn and lane use signs and traffic signal signs (“No Turn on Red,” for
instance).

Warning Signs

With the rate of accidents, road projects, and car breakdowns on the roads, the need for warning Given
becomes important. This helps other road users to limit speed as they approach such areas. Warning
signs include turn and curve warnings, intersection signs, merge and lane transition warnings, bridge
clearances, divided highway warnings, hill warnings, and pedestrian crossing notices among others.
Almost every warning sign is symbol-based, with little to no text.

Guide Signs
As one drive, guide signs are the holy grail of navigation. It helps motorists navigate interstate highways
without taking their eyes off the road. It’s true that GPS navigation can help, but fumbling with your
phone while approaching a confluence of two or three highways can be dangerous. These guide signs
come in form of diagrammatic guide signs, roadway junction signs, destination distance signs, and mile
makers.

The “STOP” Sign

These are one of the most seen traffic signs, Both the shape and color are important to how a stop sign
is recognized and understood. No other sign is of an octagon shape, and no other sign is red in color.
This is done because of the importance a stop sign has on traffic safety. It is used to alert drivers of
intersections and other areas where traffic may be traveling in opposite or crossing directions.

The “Speed Limit” Sign

Speed limit signs are designed to communicate a set legal maximum or minimum speed that vehicles
must travel. Speed limit signs can vary in the limit depending on the specific state that you are driving
though.

Many highways have speed limits set at 55 miles per hour, but this can be changed by the state and will
vary. Other common limits on highways are 45 miles per hour and 65 miles per hour. Drivers are not to
exceed the limit that the sign designates.

The “Men At Work” Sign

This  is a temporary warning sign used to alert drivers of upcoming road work. The color for this sign is
Orange, this is because it is one of the most visible colors to the human eye, and can be noticed above
other traffic signs on the road.

Men at work signs are generally accompanied by other temporary warning signs, such as “road work
ahead” signs and “detour” signs.

The “No Overtaking Sign”

No Overtaking
This sign is mostly placed on two-way narrow roads or roads that are too risky for vehicles to attempt to
overtake vehicles ahead of them. They are also placed at bends, dips in the road, or where there are
trees.

The “Bumps Ahead” Sign

this helps transportation

Third, knowledge of traffic operations theory and practice.

engineers to understand and express the properties of traffic flow.

traffic operations involve planning for and controlling the movements
of vehicles and groups of vehicles over streets and highways for the
purpose of attaining maximum efficiency and safety.

Fourth, ability to make mathematical computations and design engineering projects.

Fifth, good project management skills

Transportation Safety

VISION ZERO

>It is a movement within the transportation profession with the goal of ensuring that safety is prioritized
above other considerations, such as mobility, within a transportation system

>Vision zero sets a target of zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries.

>A strategy of roadway safety management, focusing on safety from all aspects of the roadway use
experience, from design and operation to driver behavior.

>emphasize that some degree of roadway user error will always occur, and that such errors should not
result in a fatality or serious injury.

>whether that is a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist) to operate safely and within the rules and limitations
of the roadway environment, the roadway itself must also be designed and operated to accommodate
certain driver errors and make any crashes that do occur survivable.

A Safe System Approach

>seeking safety through vehicle or roadway design and operational

>the Safe System approach differs from conventional safety practice by being human centered, i.e.
seeking safety through vehicle or roadway design and operational changes rather than relying primarily
on behavioral changes

>integrating the needs of all users (pedestrians, bicyclists, older, younger, disabled, etc.) of the
transportation system. 

Speed Management

>an important element associated with transportation safety

Proper speed management ensures that roadway users are operating at speeds that are safe and
appropriate for the given roadway environment, and that certain types of vulnerable roadway users
(e.g., pedestrians, bicyclists) are protected from unsafe conditions caused by vehicle speed.

>Approximately one third of all roadway fatalities each year are at least partially caused by speeding-
related factors

>Transportation engineers should take advantage of the full depth of resources, tools and data
collection techniques to provide a comprehensive speed management program, and help to eliminate
speeding-related fatalities and serious injuries.