A civil engineer who designs new roads, overpasses, and highway ramps is known as a highway engineer. She could specialize in drawing up the initial blueprints for new highway systems, determining the best materials and methods to use, or supervising the construction process. To create the most effective and cost-effective design plans, professionals typically conduct extensive research into the amount of traffic that will use new roads. The majority of highway engineers work for government transportation departments, but some also work for private consulting firms and research institutes.
When determining the need for a new highway, urban planning committees and government agencies frequently consult an expert engineer. The engineer begins gathering information about the area, such as the land’s shape, weather patterns, and the expected number of cars that will use the new road. She can advise the planning committee on the best ways to clear vegetation and level hills if the land is undeveloped. The highway engineer determines whether any part of the old road can be salvaged or if it should be completely removed and replaced with a new design in road replacement projects.
To perfect her design plans, the highway engineer usually draws sketches and creates computer models. Some designs are simple, such as those for long stretches of straight highways through deserts, while others, such as interchanges between major thoroughfares in a big city, are extremely complex. A highway engineer’s main goal is to design systems that are both cost-effective and safe and reliable for travelers.
Some highway engineers work on the research and development of better construction materials and new road-building techniques. Professionals might collaborate with materials scientists to develop more durable support beams and asphalt that is less prone to wear and erosion, for example. To determine efficacy, they put prototypes of new products and processes through computer simulations and realistic practical tests.
During the construction phase of a project, it is common for a highway engineer to work on-site. She oversees work quality and ensures that the project is completed on time and within budget. The engineer communicates with project managers and site supervisors to address any issues that may arise during the construction process. To keep the project on track, any design flaws are investigated and corrected as soon as possible.
The minimum educational requirement for becoming a highway engineer is typically a bachelor’s degree. Some contracting companies and government agencies prefer to hire civil engineering master’s degree holders. For up to four years, new engineers work under the supervision of experienced professionals to gain practical experience. Highway engineers must pass written certification exams in many states and countries before they can work independently on projects.