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 designing tunnels, bridges and ramps, and ensuring that the roads are secure (such such as rails for through, caution signs and the appropriate speeds). 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 skills 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.