Will AI Replace Traffic Technicians?

Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.