TAC is pleased to introduce Foundations of Road Design, a new online, on-demand, self-directed training program designed to help practitioners strengthen their understanding of core geometric design principles. Developed to complement Chapters 1 to 4 of TAC’s Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads, this course provides a practical foundation for emerging professionals and a valuable refresher for experienced designers.
Online, On-Demand, Self-Directed Course
Foundations of Road Design
Foundations of Road Design helps learners build a solid grounding in basic geometric design concepts, terminology, and applications used across Canada. The program’s 20 concise, expert-developed modules explore essential topics such as design philosophy, human factors, sight distance, horizontal and vertical alignment, classification, elements of the cross section, and more. Together, they provide a practical learning pathway aligned with TAC’s national guidance.
- Module 1 – Introduction to Design Philosophy
- Module 2 – Benefits and Costs
- Module 3 – Design Domain Concept
- Module 4 – Design Exceptions
- Module 5 – Human Factors and Application
- Module 6 – Design Speed and Safety
- Module 7 – Design Vehicles
- Module 8 – Sight Distance
- Module 9 – Design Classification
- Module 10 – Design Consistency
- Module 11 – Horizontal Alignment
- Module 12 – Horizontal Alignment Heuristics
- Module 13 – Vertical Alignment
- Module 14 – Vertical Alignment Heuristics
- Module 15 – Coordination and Aesthetics
- Module 16 – Cross-Slope
- Module 17 – Lane Types and Continuity
- Module 18 – Road Elements
- Module 19 – Elements Beside the Road
- Module 20 – Other Elements