Topic outline

  • Transportation Engineering: Traffic Flow Analysis

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides a comprehensive examination of traffic flow theory, analytical methods, and real-world applications in transportation engineering. It explores the behavior of traffic on roadways by dissecting fundamental relationships among flow, speed, and density, and delves into macroscopic and microscopic modeling techniques. 

    Engineers will gain a structured understanding of how traffic systems operate, the principles used to evaluate and optimize performance, and how empirical data and modeling tools are applied to design, manage, and improve roadway efficiency and safety. 

    The course also introduces traffic stream characteristics, shockwaves, queuing theory, and flow instability, equipping professionals with analytical frameworks used in modern traffic systems engineering.

    Topics:

    Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Understand and apply the fundamental relationships between traffic flow, speed, and density.
    • Analyze traffic stream behavior using macroscopic and microscopic models.
    • Evaluate the effects of roadway geometry, vehicle interactions, and signal control on traffic flow.
    • Interpret and apply queuing theory to model and mitigate congestion.
    • Utilize traffic flow analysis in the planning and design of road networks and intersections.
    • Recognize flow breakdown phenomena, shockwave formation, and capacity constraints in freeway systems.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

    For a quick overview of our site's policies, please click here: (FAQs)

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil engineers, transportation engineers, traffic analysts, urban planners, highway designers, and professionals involved in roadway infrastructure design, traffic operations, and intelligent transportation systems. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1