Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Junction Planner

🎯 Role Definition

A Junction Planner is a highly specialized technical professional operating at the intersection of civil engineering, traffic management, and urban planning. At its core, this role is about designing, analyzing, and optimizing the critical points in our road networks—the junctions—where different streams of traffic meet. This isn't just about moving cars more efficiently; it's about creating safer, more accessible, and more reliable journeys for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.

The Junction Planner acts as a problem-solver, using sophisticated software and analytical techniques to diagnose issues with existing intersections and to forecast the impact of new developments. They blend creative design with rigorous, data-driven analysis to propose solutions that balance competing demands for capacity, safety, and environmental quality. Their work is fundamental to unlocking development potential, improving community connectivity, and ensuring our transport infrastructure is fit for the future.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graduate Transport Planner
Civil Engineering Technician
Traffic Analyst or Data Technician

Advancement To:

Senior or Principal Junction Planner
Traffic Engineering Manager
Transport Modelling Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

Highway Design Engineer
Transport Modeller (Strategic or Micro-simulation)
Road Safety Auditor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conducting in-depth traffic impact assessments (TIAs) for proposed residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments to forecast future traffic generation and its effect on the local road network.
Designing and developing preliminary and detailed geometric layouts for various junction types, including priority junctions, roundabouts, and signal-controlled intersections, using CADD software like AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
Performing detailed capacity analysis of existing and proposed junctions using industry-standard software such as ARCADY (for roundabouts) and PICADY (for priority junctions) to assess performance and identify required improvements.
Developing, calibrating, and auditing traffic signal designs and timings using specialized software like LINSIG and TRANSYT to optimize traffic flow, minimize delays, and improve network efficiency for all users.
Building and running microsimulation models in platforms like Vissim or Aimsun to visually and statistically analyze complex traffic behaviors, test alternative design scenarios, and assess the impact on pedestrians and cyclists.
Preparing comprehensive Transport Assessments, Transport Statements, and technical notes to support planning applications, ensuring they are robust, evidence-based, and meet local and national policy requirements.
Authoring and contributing to Travel Plans, which promote sustainable travel modes and outline strategies to mitigate the transport impacts of new developments.
Leading and participating in road safety audits (RSA) at various stages of design and post-construction to identify and mitigate potential hazards for all road users.
Engaging in proactive liaison and negotiation with local highway authorities, national agencies (like National Highways), and other key stakeholders to agree on design principles and secure technical approvals.
Managing small- to medium-scale projects, including overseeing budgets, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure projects are delivered successfully and meet client expectations.
Undertaking thorough site visits to gather essential data, assess existing conditions, understand local constraints, and validate design assumptions.
Analyzing and interpreting large datasets from traffic surveys (e.g., Automatic Traffic Counts, turning counts, queue length surveys) to establish baseline conditions and inform modeling and design.
Preparing clear, concise, and persuasive technical reports, drawings, and presentations for a diverse audience, including clients, planning authorities, and the public.
Ensuring all designs and recommendations are fully compliant with current national and local design standards, such as the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and Manual for Streets (MfS).
Developing detailed cost estimates and works specifications for proposed junction improvement schemes, providing clients with a clear understanding of implementation costs.
Providing expert technical support during public consultation events and planning inquiries, confidently explaining complex engineering concepts to non-technical audiences.
Mentoring and providing guidance to junior engineers, graduates, and technicians within the team, fostering their professional development and ensuring quality of work.
Staying abreast of emerging technologies, industry best practices, and policy changes in transport planning and traffic engineering to drive innovation in design solutions.
Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including urban planners, landscape architects, and drainage engineers, to develop integrated and holistic design solutions.
Reviewing and providing constructive feedback on technical designs and reports prepared by other consultants or third parties to ensure they meet required standards.
Developing detailed Traffic Management Plans (TMPs) to ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic during the construction phase of a project.
Formulating compelling fee proposals and contributing to the bidding process for new projects, showcasing the team's technical capabilities and value proposition.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
Contribute to the organization's wider strategy on sustainable transport and network management.
Collaborate with business units to translate future mobility needs into tangible engineering requirements.
Participate in industry forums, conferences, and working groups to represent the organization and share knowledge.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Junction Capacity Modelling: Advanced proficiency in using the TRL software suite including ARCADY, PICADY, and Junctions 9/10 to accurately assess the operational capacity of roundabouts and priority intersections.
Traffic Signal Design & Analysis: Expertise in designing and optimizing traffic signal schemes using specialist software such as LINSIG, TRANSYT, or Synchro.
CADD & Geometric Design: Strong capability in using AutoCAD or Civil 3D for the preliminary and detailed geometric design of highway layouts and junction improvements.
Microsimulation Modelling: Practical experience in building, calibrating, and running microsimulation models using Vissim, Aimsun, or a similar platform to analyze complex network interactions.
Transport Assessment & Reporting: Proven ability to author high-quality Transport Assessments, Transport Statements, and Travel Plans that meet planning policy requirements.
Data Analysis & Interpretation: Skill in handling, analyzing, and interpreting various types of traffic and transport data to derive meaningful insights for design and assessment.
Knowledge of Design Standards: A thorough understanding and practical application of key UK design guidance, including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Manual for Streets (MfS), and local authority design guides.
Project Management Fundamentals: Competency in project management principles, including budget control, program management, and resource allocation, often using tools like MS Project.
GIS Mapping & Analysis: Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial data analysis, mapping, and presentation of transport-related information.
Road Safety Auditing: Formal or informal training and experience in conducting Road Safety Audits in line with relevant national standards (e.g., GG 119).

Soft Skills

Analytical & Problem-Solving Mindset: The ability to deconstruct complex traffic and transport challenges, evaluate multiple solutions, and recommend the most effective, evidence-based course of action.
Clear & Concise Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Stakeholder Management: Adept at building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, local authorities, and community groups, including strong negotiation and influencing skills.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy and precision in all aspects of work, from calculations and modelling inputs to final report and drawing production.
Commercial Acumen: An understanding of the commercial aspects of consultancy, including fee proposals, project profitability, and identifying new business opportunities.
Collaborative Team Player: The ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive team environment while also being capable of working autonomously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor’s degree (BEng, BSc) in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Education:

A Master's degree (MSc, MEng) in Transportation Planning or Engineering. Professional chartership (e.g., CEng, TPP) or active progression towards it is highly valued.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Civil Engineering
Transport Planning
Urban & Regional Planning
Geography

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-8 years of post-graduation experience in a transport planning or traffic engineering role within a consultancy or local authority setting.

Preferred:

A proven track record of successfully delivering junction design projects from feasibility through to detailed design and supporting them through the planning process. Direct experience in mentoring junior staff is also a significant plus.