Description

Civil engineers that specialize in highways and roads help to ensure safe and efficient transport on highways and roads. They use their expertise in design, engineering, and planning to assess areas for roads to be built and make plans for the construction of the construction of new routes, as well as create maintenance plans to ensure that roads are maintained. The job also requires planning for tunnels, bridges, and ramps, as in ensuring that the roads are secure (such such as rails for through, caution signs and the appropriate speed limits). The position is usually performed in a workplace setting during normal business hours, however, overtime and transportation to work sites could be necessary.

An undergraduate degree in civil engineering, or another similar field is usually required for this job, along with many years of experience in the field. Experience in the field of road preparation is usually sought by the majority of employers. Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software as well as technical writing are essential in addition.

Civil engineers who are specialized in highways and roads must be able to function in a team, and possess the interpersonal and communication abilities required to work in conjunction with construction teams, engineers and other people involved in the design and construction of roads. Civil engineers who are specialized in highways and roads must be attentive to the smallest of details and possess a thorough knowledge of the basic principles of engineering.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Civil Engineer specializing in Road/Highway projects with 0-3 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the design and preparation of road/highway plans, including geometric layouts, cross sections, and pavement designs.
  • Conducting site visits and inspections to ensure compliance with project specifications and standards.
  • Assisting in the preparation of cost estimates and project proposals for road/highway construction and maintenance projects.
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering problems and ensure efficient project delivery.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Civil Engineer in a Road/Highway job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices, specifically in road/highway design and construction.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and other relevant software to create detailed designs, calculations, and technical drawings for road/highway projects.
  • Experience in conducting site inspections, surveys, and assessments to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
  • Effective problem-solving skills to address construction challenges, develop innovative solutions, and make informed decisions to optimize road/highway performance.

Essential Skills For Civil Engineer, Road / Highway

1

Civil Engineering Design

2

Transportation Planning

3

Civil 3D

4

Environmental Studies in Civil Engineering

Skills That Affect Civil Engineer, Road / Highway Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Office 365

1%

Designing

1%

Civil Engineering Design

3%

Career Prospects

For a Civil Engineer specializing in Road/Highway projects with 0-3 years of experience in the United States, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options:

  • Structural Engineer: A role that involves designing and analyzing structures such as bridges and tunnels, ensuring their safety and integrity.
  • Project Coordinator: A position focused on coordinating various aspects of a construction project, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
  • Geotechnical Engineer: A role that involves studying soil and rock properties to ensure stable and safe construction methods for roads and highways.
  • Environmental Engineer: A position dedicated to assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of road and highway projects, including managing stormwater runoff and addressing pollution concerns.

How to Learn

The role of a Civil Engineer specializing in roads and highways in the United States is projected to experience strong growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, the demand for this job is expected to increase significantly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth rate of 2% from 2019 to 2029, which is slower than the average for all occupations. However, despite the relatively low growth rate, there will still be new employment opportunities for Civil Engineers specializing in road and highway projects due to ongoing infrastructure development and maintenance in the country.