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Traffic Engineering with Urban Engineers Group

Omar Venzor of Urban Engineers Group talked with the CE Club students about traffic engineering.   He outlined what it takes to become a traffic engineer, including the licensing requirements. Students were also shown that they could work for either public organizations such as cities, counties, airports, and TxDOT or private corporations that do consulting work.

Next, Omar explained the types of projects that traffic engineers work on. The students were shown the reports that are produced from traffic studies that determine the existing conditions and capacity at a location, as well as future analysis to determine what improvements should be made to achieve a prescribed level of service. They also discussed signal timing, signing, and pavement marking design, ITS design, and roadway illumination.  The students got to review a traffic signal plan set for a signal that has already been built.

Woodrow Wilson High School CE Club Update - December 2018

Omar Venzor of Urban Engineers Group talked with the Woodrow Wilson High School CE Club students about traffic engineering on Friday, January 11th.   He outlined what it takes to become a traffic engineer, including the licensing requirements. Students were also shown that they could work for either public organizations such as cities, counties, airports, and TxDOT or private corporations that do consulting work.

Next, Omar explained the types of projects that traffic engineers work on. The students were shown the reports that are produced from traffic studies that determine the existing conditions and capacity at a location, as well as future analysis to determine what improvements should be made to achieve a prescribed level of service. They also discussed signal timing, signing, and pavement marking design, ITS design, and roadway illumination.  The students got to review a traffic signal plan set for a signal that has already been built.

Jerry Jackson of Provident Realty presented to the Woodrow Wilson High School CE Club students about The Places You Can Go As a Civil Engineer. Jerry discussed how his career began with construction work experience in constructing culverts, dams, lakes, and bridges in the Dallas area.  Later, he moved to Florida where he gained experience in marine construction by constructing docks, piers, and even a floating concrete dock! He then moved back to Dallas and entered the real estate industry and oversaw the construction of retail malls, high rise office buildings, and condominiums.

Jerry talked about the importance of giving back to one’s community, both locally and abroad and shared pictures and stories of mission trips he had been on with his family where they helped build extensions to homes in Antigua, Guatemala.

Jerry continued to grab the students attention with international travel as he described his work in Qatar where he oversaw the construction of the 1,000 acre man-man island, “The Pearl” that features 50 high rise buildings, 20 miles of coastline, an underground trash collection system, and the largest district cooling plant in the world… all with a budget of $18 Billion!

Most recently, Jerry has been involved in the construction of Preston Hollow Village and local apartments. His stories of all the fun and exciting experiences you can have as a civil engineer, has convinced more students to pursue an education and career in civil engineering. Thanks for sharing your time and passion with Woodrow, Jerry!

If you are interested in presenting to the Woodrow Wilson CE Club, email:

Jennifer Smith – [email protected]

The classes are on Fridays 9:05-9:55, 10:05-10:55, and 11:05-11:55