Careers in Transportation Engineering

THE TRANSPORTATION PROFESSION IS:

Engineers Planners Researchers Designers

Builders Teachers Environmentalists

It's a vital growing profession with excellent career growth potential and exciting opportunities. As a transportation professional, you'll plan, design, operate and manage transportation facilities working as a consultant, researcher, or in government. THE TRANSPORTATION PROFESSION Transportation professionals are responsible for planning, designing, and operating streets and highways, transit systems, airports, railroads, ports, and harbors to provide for the safe, rapid, comfortable, convenient, economical and environmentally compatible movement of people and goods. As transportation professional you can work on a wide variety of projects, such as: Contributes to the needs of society- major functional systems of the society- presents number of issues and challenges such as traffic congestion, safety, better roads, rural connectivity Contribute to the protection and enhancement of the environment- Transportation systems have major impacts on environment- they have the opportunity to protect it. Be involved in application of advance technology- ITS such as electronic toll collection, advanced traveler information, advanced vehicle control systems etc, development of performance based material specification, innovative materials

and their characterization, better pavement management systems, advanced material testing etc Work outdoors- field studies, supervision of transportation construction projects in the positions of Resident Engineer, Senior Traffic Engineer, Senior Material Engineer, Highway Engineer, Transportation project manager.etc Own a business or work in management
TRANSPORTATION CAREERS

Transportation professionals work in planning, design and construction, operations, and research, among many other fields. Planning As a transportation planner you will work with other transportation professionals, as well as people in technical vocations, neighborhood groups and public officials. Many projects require the preparation of environmental documents since the project's success may depend on minimizing the effects on air, water, noise and wildlife. Noise barriers, landscaping or special design considerations may be required. It is the planners responsibility to meet each challenge and to present a solution that both does the job and addresses the concerns of the public. You may be called upon to justify your plan to neighborhood groups, lawyers, business leaders, news media and elected officials. Design and Construction Geometric design Pavement design Traffic management design issues Work outdoors at various positions Operations Transportation operations is another important field of the transportation profession. Traffic engineers are responsible for design, implementation and maintenance of traffic controls, signs and pavement markings.

 Traffic control Traffic engineers use computers to monitor the flow of traffic onto existing freeways, to control parking decks, analyze accident locations, determine roadway capacities, improve traffic flow at intersections, and coordinate the operation of traffic signals throughout a city. Traffic engineers must work with developers, planners and designers to meet the challenge of providing a safe and efficient transportation system. The field of operations also includes working with public transportation. Public transportation professionals are challenged to determine the routes and service frequency to meet the demand at the least cost. Research EDUCATION Post graduate, doctoral degree PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS Most transportation engineers are employed by local, state or consulting firms. Many are engaged in teaching and research at colleges and universities. Research positions are also available in different laboratories. No. of consulting firms mostly based in New Delhi WHERE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION India Central Road Research Institute Central Institute of Road Transport National Transportation Planning and Research Centre Highway Research Station Rail India Techno Economical Services

USA

Institute of Transportation Engineers American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials American Public Transit Association American Public Works Association American Road & Transportation Builders Association Association of American Railroads Transportation Research Board U.S. Department of Transportation