CIE 122:

HIGHWAY AND
RAILROAD
ENGINEERING
This course includes the definition and importance of
highway and railroad engineering, highway design
considerations, and the materials used in road construction
and maintenance.
Moreover, it covers traffic signs, driver, pedestrian, and
vehicle characteristics; geometric design, roadside design,
highway and related structures; highway appraisal and
environmental appraisal; traffic engineering.
This course covers railway engineering and its system.
Road Geometry:
 The design and layout of a road’s alignment, profile,
and cross-sectional features, ensuring safety and
efficiency for vehicles and pedestrians.

Road Surface:
 The topmost layer of a road, designed to provide a
smooth, durable, and skid-resistant path for
vehicles.

Road Illumination at Night:

 The lighting systems installed along roads to ensure
visibility and safety during nighttime or low-light
conditions.

Road Topography:
 The natural and constructed physical features of the
terrain that influence road alignment, grading, and
drainage.

Joint or Crack Spalling :

 The breaking or chipping of
pavement edges near joints or
cracks, typically caused by heavy
loads or freeze-thaw cycles.
 Flushing:

 A condition where
excess asphalt rises to
the pavement surface,
resulting in a shiny,
slippery layer.

Bleeding:
 The upward movement of bitumen to
the road surface due to heat or
over-asphalting, creating a
glossy, sticky layer.

Raveling:
 The progressive
disintegration of
the road surface
as aggregate
particles detach,
often due to aging or inadequate compaction.

Alligator Cracking

 A series of interconnected cracks

resembling an alligator’s skin,
caused by fatigue failure due to
repeated traffic loads on weakened
pavement.

Block Cracking:
 Large rectangular or square-shaped cracks
caused by shrinkage of the asphalt binder,
often due to aging or temperature changes,
not traffic.

Transverse Cracking:
 Cracks that run
perpendicular to the
 pavement’s centerline, usually caused by
temperature-related shrinkage or poor
construction practices

Longitudinal Cracking:

 Cracks that run parallel to the pavement’s

centerline, typically caused by traffic
loads, poor joint construction, or reflective
cracking from underlying layers.

Sight distance have different types. You have SSD, OSD, ISD, HSD, and
many more. But, most important is the Stopping Sight Distance (SSD).

Where, SSD = Perception-Reaction Distance + Braking Distance

In traffic engineering, there are three most common traffic signs used
in roads, bridges, or any transportation means:

1. Regulatory signs
Indicate traffic rules and regulations that must be
followed. Violating these signs can result in penalties.
Shape/Color: Usually rectangular or circular, with red,
white, and black as common colors.

2. Warning signs
Warn drivers about potential hazards or changes in road
conditions ahead.
 Shape/Color: Typically diamond-shaped with a yellow or
orange background and black symbols or text.

3. Guide/Informative signs
Provide route information, directions, services, and points
of interest.
Shape/Color: Typically rectangular with green, blue, or
brown backgrounds.

Rumble strips

Location : Near intersections,

accident prone areas, toll
booths, etc.
Thickness : 8 to 15 mm
Length : extend across lane
width

Three types of grade:

(+) Grade = Uphill
(-) Grade = Downhill
(0) = Flat
Grade Resistance = vehicle
weight (tons) * Grade (G/100)

Loading and unloading zone means the space in a public road

designated exclusively for loading and unloading merchandise from
motor vehicles and trailers.
 Pavement markings
Signs
Guide posts
Reflective delineators
Lighting
Curb or other physical devices

Delineation of road alignment

refers to the process of marking and defining the boundaries
and layout of a road or highway to guide drivers along the
correct path.

Road length or carriageway

Groin: A structure built perpendicular to the

shore to prevent erosion by
trapping sand.
 Wharf: A platform along the shore where ships dock to load and
unload cargo.

Breakwater: An offshore structure designed to

protect harbors from waves and storm surges.

Pier: A platform extending from land into water,

typically for docking or recreational use.

HIGHWAY AND RAILROAD ENGINEERING in CE Board Exam

CE November 2019: The provision of safety and sight distance depends
on the characteristics of the road environment such as:
I. Road Geometry
II. Road surface
III. Road illumination at night
IV. Road topography
a. I and IV only
b. I, II, and III only
c. II and IV only
d. All of the above

CE November 2019: Wearing way of the pavement surface caused by

dislodging of aggregated particles and binder. This is usually result
of insufficient asphalt binder in the mix or stripping of asphalt from
particles of aggregate.
a. Joint or crack spalling
b. Flushing
c. Bleeding
d. Raveling

CE November 2019: Cracks approximately at right angles to the pavement

centerline. These may be caused by shrinkage or differential thermal
stress of the asphalt concrete or maybe reflective cracks.
a. Alligator cracking
b. Block cracking
c. Transverse cracking
d. Longitudinal cracking
e.
CE November 2019: One of the provisions of safety sight distance
depends on the characteristics of the vehicles which are as follows:
I. Type of vehicles, car or truck
 II. Friction between the tire and road
III. Eye height of the driver
IV. Speed of vehicle
a. I only
b. II and III only
c. IV only
d. All of the above

CE November 2019: ______ inform and advise road users of directions,

distances, routes, location of services for road users and points of
interest.
a. Cross road sign
b. Guide signs
c. Advance direction signs
d. Traffic instruction signs

CE November 2021: What is the single most important environmental

factor considered in coastal engineering?
Answer: Coastal erosion

CE November 2021: When train passes on curves, which have no super-

elevation, it will give thrust on the:
a. Outside of outer rail
b. Outside of inner rail
c. Inner side of outer rail
d. Inside of inner rail

CE November 2022: It is the type of thermoplastic lane marking design

to aid and provide motorists with visual, audio, and motion warning on
the road.
Answer: Rumble Strips

CE November 2022: It represents the component of vehicle weight which

acts parallel to an inclined surface.
Answer: Grade resistance / road grade

CE November 2022: The provisions of safety sight distance depends on

the characteristics of the road environment such as:
I. Road geometry-grade and curvature sight limitation
II. Road surface-sealed or unsealed, smooth or rough
III. Road illumination at night
IV. Road topography
a. I, II, and III only
b. All of the above
c. I, III, and IV only
d. II, III, and IV only
 CE November 2022: What is the color of the loading and unloading zone
marking?
Answer: Red

CE November 2022: What is the reaction time to be used for the road
safety design? The value is applied to the whole range of design
speeds.
Answer: Reaction time = 2.5 s

CE May 2022: Signs that inform road users about the direction and
distances of destinations on the route they are following or along
other roads that intersects their route.
a. Supplementary signs
b. Guide signs
c. Warning signs
d. Stack signs

CE May 2022: Delineation of road alignment needs to be considered as

part of the design process to ensure that adequate guidance is
provided to road users. Delineation is generally provided by the used
of the following devices:
I. Pavement markings
II. Signs
III. Guide posts
IV. Reflective delineators
V. Lighting
VI. Curb or other physical devices
a. I, II, III, and IV only
b. II, III, IV, and VI only
c. I, IV, V, and VI only
d. All of the above

CE May 2022: The basic lane width appropriate for national road.
a. 2.40 m
b. 3.35 m
c. 1.80 m
d. 5.00 m
e.
CE May 2022: A berth structure projecting out from the shoreline
a. Groin
b. Wharf
c. Breakwater
 d. Pier
e.
CE May 2022: Signs used to guide drivers through a change in
horizontal alignment of the road
a. Chevron signs
b. Supplementary signs
c. Guide post signs
d. Delineators

Chevron signs
Supplementary signs Guide signsNationalDelineators
CE April 2023: The elements to consider when planning roads.
1. Limited frontage access
2. Development set well back from the highway
3. All access to premises provided via provincial roads
4. Number of intersections to be minimized
5. Suitable at grade-channelized intersection for minor flows and
other elements
6. No roadside vendors
 LESSON 1
AN INTRODUCTION TO HIGHWAY
Transportation
is a means in which people and goods are moved from one place to
another.
Engineering
is the practice of using natural science, mathematics, and the
engineering design process to solve technical problems, increase
efficiency and productivity, and improve systems.

Transportation Engineering
Transportation engineering is a branch of civil engineering that
focuses on the planning, design, construction, operation, and
maintenance of systems and infrastructure for safe and efficient
movement of people and goods. This includes roads, highways, railways,
airports, seaports, and public transit systems. It also involves
optimizing traffic flow, ensuring safety, and integrating
environmental and sustainability considerations into transportation
project

Different Modes of Transportation

By Water
 BOATS BY FOOT SPACECRAFT
AIRPLANES
SHIPS ANIMAL PULLED
SUBMARINES WAGONS HELICOPTER SKILIFTS
HOVERCRAFTS BICYCLE
CARS
BUSES
TRAINS

Highway Engineering
is an engineering discipline branching
from civil engineering that involves
planning, designing, constructing,
operating, and maintaining roads,
bridges, and tunnels to ensure safe
and effective transportation of people
and goods.
It involves applying scientific
principles to the planning, design,
maintenance, and operation of a
highway project or system of projects.
It deals specifically with the basic
technical details relating to the
planning, design, construction, and maintenance of schemes
within a highway network.

Functional Classifications of Highway

In general, highways are based upon two primary functions:

Mobility:
 Continuous, high-speed travel
Accessibility:
  Ability to get to destination, direct access to
adjoining property

Now, based on the primary functions highway are classified into

three:
1. Arterials:
 focus primarily on mobility with an emphasis on
providing high speed, uninterrupted flow. Long-
distance trips are most practical on arterials.

2. Collectors:
 have a blended objective of maintaining mobility and
access. Collectors facilitate travel between local
roads and arterials by collecting traffic and
distributing it to local roads or to higher mobility
arterials.

3. Local streets:
 provide direct connectivity to businesses,
residences, and other land uses. Local streets can be
designed to provide access while minimizing speeds.

ARTERIALS

Freeways and Expressways: Freeways are an essential part

of the highway network, particularly for travel that
occurs between cities, regions, and states.

Suburban Interstate: shows an interstate in a suburban location

with six lanes and wide shoulders on the outside and inside
edges of pavement.
Urban Interstate: shows a depressed interstate, which
reduces noise effects and allows for cross-roads to occur
at street level, in an urban environment.

Urban Arterial: shows an urban arterial that serves traffic

from suburban zones into the central business district.
COLLECTORS

Rural Two-lane highway: shows a rural two-lane highway

that is a primary route for commerce and recreation in a
rural area.

LOCAL STREETS

In Philippines, roads and highways are classified and named according to

their functions.

 National Roads
 Bypass/Diversion Roads
 Provincial Roads
 Municipal and City Roads
 Barangay Roads
 Expressways
 Bypasses
 Parkways

NATIONAL ROADS (Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary)

are continuous in extent that form part of the main trunk
line system
Example: Maharlika Highway (Pan-Philippine Highway) and
MacArthur Highway (Manila to Northern Luzon)
Primary Roads:
Connects major cities and comprise the national road system (at
least around 100,000 population)
Example:
 Maharlika Highway (AH26): Spanning
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
 MacArthur Highway: Connecting Metro
Manila to Northern Luzon.
 Cebu North Road: Connecting Cebu City
to northern towns.
 Davao-Cotabato Road: Linking Davao
City to Cotabato City.

Secondary Roads:
Connects cities to National Primary Roads,
except in metropolitan areas.
Connects major airports and National Primary
Roads
Connects tourist service centers to National
Primary Roads or other National Secondary Roads.
Connects cities not classified as major cities
Connects Provincial capitals with the same
region
Connects National primary Road to National Government
Infrastructures
Example:
 Tarlac-Pangasinan Road: Connecting Tarlac City to nearby
towns.
 Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway: Connecting Tagaytay to Batangas
province.
 Silay-Victorias Road: Linking cities in Negros Occidental.
 Bukidnon-Davao Road (BUDA): Connecting central Bukidnon to
Davao City.

Tertiary Roads:
 Other existing roads under DPWH which perform a local function.
Example:
 Naguilian Road: Connecting Baguio City to nearby barangays
and La Union.
 Bayombong-Bambang Road: Serving municipalities in Nueva
Vizcaya.
 Roxas-Buruanga Road: Connecting rural areas in Aklan.
 Maragusan-Mati Road: Linking municipalities in Davao de Oro
to Davao Oriental

BYPASS/DIVERSION ROADS
These roads divert through traffic away from the
city/municipality business centers.
Example:
 Tarlac-Pangasinan-LaUnion Expressway (TPLEX)
Bypass Roads
 Urdaneta Bypass Road in Pangasinan
 Candon City Bypass Road in Ilocos Sur

PROVINCIAL ROADS
These roads connect cities and
municipalities without traversing National
Roads. They also connect National Roads to
major provincial infrastructures as well as
to barangays through rural areas.
Example:
 Governor Pack Road in Benguet
 Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road in Negros
Occidental

MUNICIPAL AND CITY ROADS

These are roads within a Población that provide
inter-barangay connections to major municipal and
city infrastructures without traversing Provincial
Roads
Example:
 Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City
  Bonifacio Drive in Manila
 CPG Avenue (Carlos P. Garcia Avenue) in Tagbilaran City,
Bohol

BARANGAY ROADS
Other roads within the barangay and not covered in the
above definitions.
Example:
 Barangay Gusa Road in Cagayan de Oro
 Barangay Turod Road in Ilocos Norte

EXPRESSWAYS
These are highways with limited access,
normally with interchanges. They may include
the facilities for levying tolls for passage
in an open or closed system.
Example:
 North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)
 South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
 Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)

BYPASSES
These are roads or highways that avoid built-up
area, town or city proper to let through traffic
flow without interference from local traffic
reduce congestion and improve road safety where
a toll for passage is levied in an open or
closed system
Example:
 Tarlac City Bypass Road
PARKWAYS
These are arterial highways for non-commercial
traffic with full or Partial control of access,
usually located within a park or a ribbon of park-
like development
Example:
 Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay and Parañaque (near
Manila Bay)
  Kaybiang Tunnel Road in Cavite-Batangas (a scenic mountain
route)

LESSON 2:
Considerations for Highway Planning and
Design

Why is it important to properly plan roads/highways?

Efficient Traffic Flow

Arterial highways are designed to carry large volumes
of traffic over long distances. Proper planning
 ensures that the road network minimizes congestion and maintains
smooth traffic flow

Safety
A well-planned highway reduces the risk of
accidents by incorporating appropriate lane
widths, intersections, signage, and safety
features such as guardrails and lighting.

Connectivity
Arterial highways serve as key connectors between urban centers, rural areas,
and other parts of the transportation network. Proper planning ensures
seamless connectivity and accessibility

Economic Growth
Highways are vital for transporting goods and
services efficiently. A well-planned highway system
boosts economic activities by reducing transportation
costs and travel time.

Environmental Impact
Proper planning minimizes the environmental
footprint by optimizing alignments to avoid
sensitive ecosystems, reducing emissions through
efficient traffic management, and incorporating
sustainable practices.

Cost Efficiency
Planning helps optimize construction,
maintenance, and operational costs, ensuring that
resources are utilized effectively over the
road’s lifespan.
Urban Development
Arterial highways influence land use and
development patterns. Proper planning supports
balanced urban growth and avoids issues such as
urban sprawl or poorly integrated
infrastructure.

Emergency Access
A well-planned highway network is critical for
emergency response, ensuring quick access for
rescue operations during natural disasters or
accidents.

Basic Considerations in Planning Arterial Roadways

1. Selection of the routes

2. Studies of the traffic volume
3. Origin and destination
4. Accident experienced
5. Width should not be less than 15 meters
6. Must carry of one lane of traffic in each direction.
7. Should be at least 1 km in length.
8. Should skirt neighborhood areas rather than penetrate them.
9. On grid design system streets, arterials are spaces at about 600
to 900 meters apart.
10. Where accident hazard is not a factor, the minimum volume to
justify arterial road is 300 vehicles per average hour during the
day, and 450 vehicles hourly during peak periods
 Basic Considerations in Planning other types of
roads/highways

1. Function:
2. Route Selection:
3. Traffic Volume:
4. Width:
5. Speed Limits:
6. Connectivity/Accessibility:
7. Other factors (Parking, Intersections, Neighborhood, Safety
features, rest areas, etc.)

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:

Three Major Considerations of highway design:

1. Human
2. Vehicular
3. Roadway

Human
Human factors include reaction time for braking and steering,
visual acuity for traffic signs and signals, and car-following
behaviors.
Vehicular
Vehicle considerations include vehicle size and dynamics that are
essential for determining lane width and maximum slopes and
selecting design vehicles. Highway Engineers design road geometry
to ensure the stability of vehicles when negotiating curves and
grades. It also provides adequate sight distances for undertaking
passing maneuvers along curves on two-lane, two-way roads.

Roadways
The combination of human and vehicular factors. On how safe and
user friendly the road is.

SPECIFIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Highway and transportation engineers must meet many safeties,
service, and performance standards when designing roads for
specific site topography. Highway geometric design primarily
refers to the visible elements of the highways. Highway engineers
who design the geometry of roads must also consider the
environmental and social effects of the design on the surrounding
infrastructure.
SPECIFIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
 1. Design Speed
2. Design traffic volume
3. Number of lanes
4. Level of service (LOS)
5. Sight Distance
6. Alignment, super-elevation, and grades
7. Cross-section
8. Lane width

DESIGN SPEED
This is the speed that the highway is built to
handle safely. It depends on the type of road
(e.g., city street vs. highway) and how people
are expected to drive on it. Higher design speeds
require straighter roads and wider curves.

DESIGN TRAFFIC VOLUME

This means planning for how many vehicles will
use the road every day. Roads need to be wide
enough to avoid traffic jams, especially during
busy hours

NUMBER OF LANES
The number of lanes depends on how many vehicles
are expected to use the road. Busy highways may
need 4 to 8 lanes, while smaller roads might only
need 1 or 2 lanes in each direction.

LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS)

This measures how smoothly traffic flows. Levels

range from A (free-flowing traffic) to F (severe
congestion). Designers aim for a good LOS, so
drivers don’t face long delays.
SIGHT DISTANCE
This is how far a driver can see ahead on the
road. Good sight distance is important for
safety, so drivers can react in time to curves,
hills, or stopped vehicles.

ALIGNMENT,SUPER ELEVATION, AND GRADES

Alignment: The direction and path of the road

(straight or curved).
 Super-elevation: The slight tilt of a curved road to help
vehicles stay balanced and reduce the chance of skidding.
Grades: The slope of the road. Gentle slopes make driving easier,
especially for heavy trucks.

CROSS SECTION
This refers to how the road is
divided across its width. It
includes lanes, shoulders (for
emergencies), and medians (to
separate opposite traffic). It’s
like slicing the road in half and
looking at all its parts.

LANE WIDTH
This is how wide each lane is. Standard
lanes are usually 3 to 3.5 meters wide,
giving enough space for vehicles to
drive safely without being too close to
others.