With the continuing economic, technological, and societal development, the public needs and expectations for the transportation system continue to evolve and grow (In addition to technologies, the needs may also originate from factors such as public health, safety, welfare, cultural, social, environmental and economic aspects). One important component of the system is transportation and geotechnical engineering designs.

Write a 2- or 3-page single-spaced statement addressing the following items: a) What do you believe is the principal challenge faced by the civil engineer in meeting these needs and expectations? b) Is this challenge a local, regional, national, or global challenge? (explain your answer). c) What fields of knowledge beyond traditional transportation engineering are needed? d) How have specific out of class, out of department, or in class/department activities or projects trained you to address the particular challenge you identified in part (a)?