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3.4. Traffic Engineering (TFE)

This knowledge area encompasses traffic flow theory and capacity analysis, traffic operations and management, intelligent transportation systems, and road safety engineering.

Knowledge Area (KA)	Core Tier1	Core Tier2
3.4.1 Traffic Flow Theory and Capacity Analysis	Elective
3.4.2 Traffic Operations and Management	Elective
3.4.3 Intelligent Transportation Systems and Connected Vehicles	Elective
3.4.4 Road Safety Engineering	Elective
3.4.5 Traffic Control Devices	Elective

3.4.1. TFE/Traffic Flow Theory and Capacity Analysis ↑ Back to top

Traffic flow fundamentals, highway capacity analysis, level of service, traffic control devices, signal design, and intersection analysis.
Topics:
Core

• Traffic flow characteristics and fundamental relationships
• Highway capacity analysis using HCM methodology
• Level of service concepts and analysis procedures
• Traffic control devices and MUTCD standards
• Signal timing and phasing design
• Intersection capacity and delay analysis

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Explain traffic flow theory and fundamental traffic stream parameters [Familiarity]
2. Perform highway capacity analysis for various facility types [Assessment]
3. Determine level of service for transportation facilities [Usage]
4. Apply MUTCD standards for traffic control device design and placement [Assessment]
5. Design signal timing plans for isolated intersections [Usage]
6. Analyze intersection capacity and calculate control delay [Assessment]

3.4.2. TFE/Traffic Operations and Management ↑ Back to top

Arterial signal coordination, freeway operations, traffic simulation, incident management, and roundabout design.
Topics:
Core

• Arterial analysis and signal coordination
• Freeway operations and bottleneck analysis
• Traffic simulation and microsimulation modeling
• Incident management and traffic management centers
• Roundabout design and capacity analysis

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Develop coordinated signal systems for arterial corridors [Usage]
2. Evaluate freeway performance and identify operational bottlenecks [Assessment]
3. Utilize traffic simulation models for complex operational analysis [Usage]
4. Implement incident management strategies and traffic management operations [Assessment]
5. Design roundabouts and analyze their operational performance [Usage]

3.4.3. TFE/Intelligent Transportation Systems and Connected Vehicles ↑ Back to top

Technologies and applications of intelligent transportation systems, connected and autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions.
Topics:
Core

• ITS architecture and system components
• Traffic detection and surveillance technologies
• Advanced traffic management systems
• Traveler information systems and real-time data
• Connected vehicle technologies and V2X communication
• Autonomous vehicle systems and infrastructure requirements
• Adaptive signal control and traffic-responsive systems
• Electronic toll collection and congestion pricing
• Transit signal priority and bus rapid transit systems
• Data analytics and artificial intelligence in transportation

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Explain ITS architecture and identify system components [Familiarity]
2. Select appropriate traffic detection technologies for specific applications [Assessment]
3. Design advanced traffic management system deployments [Usage]
4. Implement traveler information systems and dissemination strategies [Assessment]
5. Describe connected vehicle technologies and communication protocols [Familiarity]
6. Evaluate infrastructure requirements for autonomous vehicle deployment [Assessment]
7. Apply adaptive signal control algorithms for traffic optimization [Usage]
8. Analyze electronic toll collection systems and pricing strategies [Assessment]
9. Integrate transit signal priority in multimodal networks [Usage]
10. Utilize data analytics and AI for transportation system optimization [Assessment]

3.4.4. TFE/Road Safety Engineering ↑ Back to top

Crash data analysis and high-risk location identification, road safety audits, the Vision Zero safe systems approach, and pedestrian and bicycle safety countermeasures.
Topics:
Core

• Crash data analysis and identification of high-risk locations
• Road safety audits and systematic safety reviews
• Vision Zero and the safe systems approach to street design
• Pedestrian and bicycle safety countermeasures

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Analyze crash data to identify high-risk locations and contributing factors [Assessment]
2. Conduct a road safety audit for a roadway or intersection [Usage]
3. Explain the Vision Zero safe systems approach to street design [Familiarity]
4. Recommend pedestrian and bicycle safety countermeasures for a given location [Usage]

3.4.5. TFE/Traffic Control Devices ↑ Back to top

Classification, design, and placement of traffic signs and pavement markings, and the warrant analysis, phasing, detection, and equipment decisions behind traffic signal installations.
Topics:
Core

• Classification and design of regulatory, warning, and guide signs
• Sign placement, sizing, and retroreflectivity standards
• Pavement marking types, materials, and placement standards
• Traffic signal warrant analysis and justification studies
• Signal phasing, sequencing, and vehicle/pedestrian detection design
• Signal equipment, controllers, and maintenance considerations

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Classify traffic signs according to national/MUTCD-equivalent standards and select the appropriate sign for a given condition [Familiarity]
2. Specify sign placement, size, and retroreflectivity per design standards [Usage]
3. Design a pavement marking plan for a given roadway section [Assessment]
4. Conduct a signal warrant analysis to justify installing a traffic signal [Assessment]
5. Design signal phasing and detection layouts for an intersection [Usage]
6. Evaluate signal equipment and controller requirements for an installation [Familiarity]