What does a Highway Engineer do?
Published 3 min read
A highway engineer is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of highways, roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure. They may also be involved in planning and developing transportation systems.
Highway Engineer job duties include:
- Overseeing the construction and maintenance of highways, roads, and bridges
- Designing highways, roads, and bridges
- Conducting feasibility studies for highway, road, and bridge projects
- Estimating costs and preparing budgets for highway, road, and bridge projects
- Developing plans and specifications for highway, road, and bridge construction and maintenance
- Overseeing the work of contractors on highway, road, and bridge projects
- Inspecting completed highway, road, and bridge projects
- Investigating accidents and incidents on highways, roads, and bridges
- Providing input on environmental impact assessments for highway, road, and bridge projects
Highway Engineer Job Requirements
A Highway Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highways, roads, bridges, and related infrastructure. They typically have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and may be required to have a professional engineer's license. Several years of experience working in the field of highway engineering are also typically required.
Highway Engineer Skills
- Pavement design
- Pavement materials
- Pavement construction
- Pavement preservation
- Traffic engineering
- Transportation planning
- Highway geometry
- Horizontal and vertical alignment
- Grading and drainage
- Pavement rehabilitation
- Traffic signal design and operations
- Intelligent transportation systems
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How to become a Highway Engineer
There are many reasons to become a highway engineer. The most important reason is that highway engineers are in high demand. There is a current and future need for qualified highway engineers, making this an excellent career choice.
In order to become a highway engineer, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited engineering program. Many highway engineers also have a master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Once you have earned your degree, you will need to obtain a professional engineer (PE) license in order to practice engineering in the United States.
After completing your education and obtaining your license, you will be ready to begin your career as a highway engineer. Highway engineers typically work for state or local governments, consulting firms, or construction companies. Your job duties will vary depending on your employer, but may include designing highways and bridges, overseeing construction projects, conducting research, and writing reports.
If you are interested in becoming a highway engineer, there has never been a better time to enter the field. With a current and future need for qualified professionals, this is an excellent career choice for those with the necessary skills and education.
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