Our Origin Story

Before we ever drafted a line or opened a laptop, we were out on the asphalt—setting cones, placing signs, and directing traffic flow by hand.

Lafferty Traffic Designs was founded by Erik Lafferty, a former laborer and foreman with boots-on-the-ground experience in the heart of the work zone. Erik spent years in the field setting up traffic control for road crews, utility teams, and large-scale infrastructure projects. He implemented complex freeway traffic control plans firsthand, giving him an intimate understanding of what makes a drawing practical—or problematic—once you're facing live traffic.

That field experience wasn’t just formative, it was foundational.

Eventually, Erik transitioned from boots to blueprint. He moved into the office at a traffic control company, where he began drafting traffic control plans not just for his own crews—but for outside clients as well. He became a bridge between field crews and engineers, creating drawings that made sense on paper and on the pavement.

He regularly visited job sites to ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency—reinforcing a commitment to real-world performance. Throughout this journey, Erik maintained his ATSSA certifications, staying up to date with evolving industry standards and best practices.

Now, through Lafferty Traffic Designs, Erik helps clients win bids and streamline approvals by producing clean, accurate drawings for permit applications and project submittals. Whether it’s a straightforward shoulder closure or a multi-phase freeway detour, each plan is built on firsthand knowledge, regulatory insight, and a deep respect for the crews who carry it out.