Transportation and Civil Engineers

Infracture needs are growing and are dominated by transportation requirements. About 70 percent of the urgent needs are accounted for by highways and bridges. Civil engineers must take a concerted approach including education, technology, innovation, decision-making, and research. Civil engineers should be leaders in formulating plans for innovation and research. New tools are becoming available to provide in-depth analyses of total transportation systems. The projects must be planned and programmed for the entire life cycle, including construction operation and maintenance. Because of retirements, there will be a tremendous turnover among senior transportation engineers. This will provide opportunities to exploit this period of change and execute improvement programs. The education and training programs should be oriented to this change. Of vital importance is research in the design and construction of transportation facilities.