In my journey as a city traffic engineer since 1982, I’ve witnessed profound transformations in the role, driven by technological advancements, urban planning shifts, and a growing awareness of sustainable transportation. Today, technology integration is key, with traffic engineers using advanced tools like traffic signal control systems, intelligent transportation systems, and real-time traffic monitoring. This contrasts sharply with the manual methods and basic signal timing relied upon 40 years ago.
Modern traffic engineering thrives on data-driven decision-making. Access to abundant data from sources like traffic sensors and GPS devices empowers professionals to analyze patterns and optimize flow, a stark departure from the limited data available in the past based on manual traffic counts and observational studies.
Sustainability now defines the profession, with a focus on multimodal options, bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and public transit integration to create livable cities. Contrastingly, 40 years ago, the emphasis was primarily on accommodating vehicular traffic, neglecting alternative modes. Collaboration with urban planners is now a key aspect of the traffic engineer’s role. Today, traffic engineers work closely with urban planners to design transportation systems that align with broader city planning goals, such as mixed land use and the creation of walkable neighborhoods. In the past, the role was more isolated, and traffic engineering decisions were sometimes made without considering broader urban planning principles.
Public engagement has gained prominence in modern transportation planning processes. City traffic engineers now actively seek community input, address concerns, and strive for more inclusive and participatory decision-making. This is a departure from 40 years ago, when public engagement may have been less common, and decisions were often made by professionals without as much input from the community. The contemporary emphasis on traffic safety is reflected in the significant focus placed on improving road safety for all users through measures like intelligent signal design, traffic calming techniques, and advanced safety technologies. While safety was a concern 40 years ago, the approaches and technologies available for enhancing road safety were not as advanced or comprehensive as they are today.
These changes are reflected in the 11th Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which has also undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 4 decades, embracing technology, sustainability, and increased recognition of all users of streets and roadways. Look for summaries and discussions of these changes in this month’s ITE Journal as well as in upcoming webinars and sessions during the upcoming International Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, USA, July 21-24, 2024.
The role of the City Traffic Engineer has also undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 4 decades, embracing technology, sustainability, and community engagement and now requires a broader understanding of transportation planning and land use practices than ever before. ITE serves as a crucial resource for professionals, offering support, knowledge, and a collaborative platform to navigate the complexities of modern transportation planning and engineering.
I encourage you to fully leverage your ITE membership, taking advantage of the professional development, networking opportunities, advocacy, and the development of best practices. Let’s make 2024 a year of heightened engagement and collaboration within ITE. I hope to see you at an upcoming District event or even our International Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.