Traffic Control Device Student Challenge postponed to 2022

In light of the Transportation Research Board’s decision to hold a fully virtual annual meeting in January, the Traffic Control Device Student Challenge will skip a year and move to 2022.

ATSSA partners with the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Standing Committee on Traffic Control Devices in holding this annual contest that gives students the opportunity to propose solutions to real-world issues in the transportation industry. Students traditionally present their projects for judging during the TRB annual convention held each January and then the three winners make presentations during ATSSA’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo held a short time later.

“It’s disappointing not to hold the competition this year, but we agreed the decision was in the best interest of the safety and well-being of the students,” said ATSSA Director of Innovation and Technical Services Eric Perry. “We look forward to resuming the competition next year for the 2022 awards.”

The TCD Student Challenge promotes innovation and stimulates ideas in the traffic control devices industry with a goal to improve operations and safety and encourage future generations of roadway safety professionals. As part of the challenge, individuals or student teams submit solutions in the subject area of transportation and roadway safety, based on the chosen topic for the year.

Students desiring to compete in the 2022 Traffic Control Device Student Challenge can get an early start since the contest theme established for this year’s contest - “Innovative Traffic Control Device Strategies for Speed Management on Limited Access Freeways”- will carry over to the next competition.

Information is still available online for details on the contest process. Contest details are traditionally released in April with submissions due by October.

The TCD Student Challenge is open to high school, junior college, college and university students or teams of students who have an interest in transportation and an understanding of traffic control devices. Students in relevant fields such as transportation, human factors and technology- related curricula are particularly encouraged to participate.

ATSSA’s 51st Annual Convention & Traffic Expo is scheduled for Jan. 29 – Feb. 2, 2021 and is planned as both an in-person and virtual event, providing flexibility for people who wish to travel to San Diego and those preferring to take part remotely. Check back frequently for additional details on the ATSSA Convention.