Traffic Engineering
BETH SHELTON, PE
Director of Traffic Engineering Services
Traffic engineering is a multifaceted discipline that brings together data-driven services—such as traffic counts, signal timing, capacity analysis, and safety studies—to inform smart, efficient roadway design. Our integrated approach ensures that every decision is backed by comprehensive analysis and tailored to real-world conditions.
Additionally, we can design the following:
- Traffic forecasting
- Traffic simulation modeling
- Signal Warrant studies
- Traffic signal, lighting, and timing design
- Comprehensive PS&E services for all traffic engineering needs
Grand Parkway, SH 99: Segments H, I-1, I-2
Houston, Texas
Construction Cost
$1.2B
Bridges Construction Cost
$60M
Project Distance
23mi
OTHON served as the Lead Engineering Firm on the Grand Parkway Segment H and was responsible for the 23-mile design of SH99 from IH69 Interchange to US90A in Harris, Montgomery, and Liberty Counties. This two-lane toll facility with intermittent four lane sections will improve the connectivity within the 184-mile SH 99/Grand Parkway loop, reducing congestion, providing an alternate evacuation route during emergency evacuations, and enhancing the overall movement of people and goods within the region.
OTHON prepared design documents and drawings including roadway design, drainage design, structural design, TCP, electrical, ITS/tolling systems, alternative technical concepts, and bill of quantity for the construction of toll lanes within the project limits. Under an accelerated schedule, OTHON led the development of multiple separate construction packages including: 52 separate bridge design packages, four traffic operations design packages, four SW3P design packages, four TCP design packages and four roadway design packages. The design schedule and budget were met on this project.
OTHON prepared design documents and drawings including roadway design, drainage design, structural design, TCP, electrical, ITS/tolling systems, alternative technical concepts, and bill of quantity for the construction of toll lanes within the project limits. Under an accelerated schedule, OTHON led the development of multiple separate construction packages including: 52 separate bridge design packages, four traffic operations design packages, four SW3P design packages, four TCP design packages and four roadway design packages. The design schedule and budget were met on this project.
NCTCOG Regional Traffic Signal Retiming
Dallas & Ft. Worth, Texas
As part of a regional initiative to improve mobility and reduce congestion, OTHON completed traffic signal retiming for 628 intersections across Dallas and Fort Worth under Phases II–VI of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) program. This large-scale effort enhanced travel efficiency, reduced delays, and supported smarter traffic flow throughout one of the nation’s busiest metropolitan areas.
US 377 S&E Innovative and Alternative Mobility Solutions
Hood County, Texas
Construction Cost
$365M
Project Distance
8.85mi
OTHON is conducting traffic and operational analysis along a key corridor from BUS 377 to SH 167, supporting long-range planning and infrastructure decision-making. The team developed traffic projections for years 2025, 2045, and 2055, and analyzed eleven intersections and three interchanges to assess performance and future needs.
Using field-collected data and advanced modeling tools—including HCS, SYNCHRO, and NCTCOG’s travel demand model—OTHON performed origin-destination and select link analyses, along with historical crash evaluations to identify safety hotspots. The preferred alternative is being further assessed through ISATe safety analysis and VISSIM microsimulation, with findings supporting the development of the Interchange Access Justification Report (IAJR).
Using field-collected data and advanced modeling tools—including HCS, SYNCHRO, and NCTCOG’s travel demand model—OTHON performed origin-destination and select link analyses, along with historical crash evaluations to identify safety hotspots. The preferred alternative is being further assessed through ISATe safety analysis and VISSIM microsimulation, with findings supporting the development of the Interchange Access Justification Report (IAJR).
I 20 Traffic Projections, VISSIM, LOS, IAJR S&E
Tarrant County & Dallas County, Texas
Project Distance
6mi
OTHON provided preliminary engineering services for traffic projections and operational analysis along I-20 (Ranch House Rd to Markum Ranch Rd) and I-30 (I-20 to Linkcrest Dr). AM and PM peak-hour conditions were evaluated for build and no-build scenarios using SYNCHRO and HCS, with results summarized in a Traffic Operations Analysis Report included in the FHWA-approved Interstate Access Justification Report (IAJR).
The team incorporated traffic forecasts from the Walsh Ranch TIA, accounting for over 250,000 daily trips, and coordinated with adjacent I-30 improvements. Origin-destination and select link analyses were performed using NCTCOG’s travel demand model, with early coordination among TxDOT, TPP, and NCTCOG to reconcile model volumes and ensure consistency across regional planning efforts.
The team incorporated traffic forecasts from the Walsh Ranch TIA, accounting for over 250,000 daily trips, and coordinated with adjacent I-30 improvements. Origin-destination and select link analyses were performed using NCTCOG’s travel demand model, with early coordination among TxDOT, TPP, and NCTCOG to reconcile model volumes and ensure consistency across regional planning efforts.
