Steel Has the Solution

Interested in using steel for your next bridge project? We can help! The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (non-profit) is a group of steel bridge industry leaders offering free resources and project assistance.

Precision Beam Calculations, Simplified

Want to optimize your beam designs? eBEAM140 is a free Excel-based tool for designing and refining simple span composite and noncomposite steel bridge beams.

Create Simple Span Bridge Designs in 5-Minutes

Want to build your own bridge? eSPAN140 is a free online design tool which provides customized steel solutions for bridges up to 140 feet.

Find a Supplier to Build Your Next Bridge Project

Looking for suppliers that specialize in short span bridges? The SSSBA provides free access to a complete online listing of manufacturers and suppliers.

Receive Expert Assistance For a Future Project

Do you have questions or need support for your next steel bridge project? The SSSBA offers free assistance for bridge owners and designers.

The Latest

Events

Attend the AISI Corrosion Advisory Group Meeting (April 17)

Join technical experts at the AISI Corrosion Advisory Group (CAG) meeting in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to review recent developments in steel corrosion research, protective coatings and structural durability practices. The day includes a tour of High Steel Structures and a hybrid meeting session – attend in person or virtually – to share insights, discuss emerging technologies and collaborate with industry peers on practical corrosion mitigation strategies.

News

Missouri Steel Bridge Bundle Project Wins Prize Bridge Award

The National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) named Missouri’s FARM Bridges Design/Build Bundle the 2026 Prize Bridge Award winner in the Short Span category. Fabricated by SSSBA member DeLong’s, the project delivered 31 rural bridges across 15 counties using galvanized steel and SDCL design for a 100-year service life.

Design

NSBA Releases Updated Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01

NSBA’s Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01 streamlines connection design with expanded options and updated AASHTO LRFD provisions for faster, more economical solutions.

News

ARTBA Reports $15 Billion Committed Through Bridge Formula Program as Needs Remain

According to an ARTBA analysis, states have committed $15 billion through the bridge formula program, yet one in three bridges still needs work.

Economics

Steel vs. Concrete: A Deep Dive into Bridge Life Cycle Economics

A comprehensive study by Dr. Michael Barker of the University of Wyoming analyzes 1,186 steel and concrete girder bridges in Pennsylvania to compare life cycle costs, offering data-driven insights into long-term economic performance and service life.

Events

Free Webinar – Galvanize It! Duplex Systems: Coating Galvanized Steel (March 26)

The American Galvanizers Association invites you to attend a free, one-hour webinar on hot-dip galvanized steel and the synergistic benefits of combining galvanizing with paint or powder coatings.

News

State DOT CEOs Discuss Key Reauthorization Funding Issues, Investment in Local Programs

AASHTO recently held its 2026 Washington Briefing in D.C., featuring a panel of state DOT leaders discussing critical surface transportation funding and reauthorization issues.

Case Study

Hawaii DOT Installs Prefabricated Steel Bridges to Lower Costs and Improve Climate Resilience

SSSBA member Acrow supplied prefabricated steel bridges for Hawaii DOT’s Makaha replacement project, cutting costs, speeding installation and enhancing long-term climate resilience.

Read All Posts→

News

Missouri Steel Bridge Bundle Project Wins Prize Bridge Award

The National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) named Missouri’s FARM Bridges Design/Build Bundle the 2026 Prize Bridge Award winner in the Short Span category. Fabricated by SSSBA member DeLong’s, the project delivered 31 rural bridges across 15 counties using galvanized steel and SDCL design for a 100-year service life.
NSBA Releases Updated Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01

NSBA’s Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01 streamlines connection design with expanded options and updated AASHTO LRFD provisions for faster, more economical solutions.
ARTBA Reports $15 Billion Committed Through Bridge Formula Program as Needs Remain

According to an ARTBA analysis, states have committed $15 billion through the bridge formula program, yet one in three bridges still needs work.
State DOT CEOs Discuss Key Reauthorization Funding Issues, Investment in Local Programs

AASHTO recently held its 2026 Washington Briefing in D.C., featuring a panel of state DOT leaders discussing critical surface transportation funding and reauthorization issues.
SSSBA Gathers Industry Leaders to Advance Steel Bridge Solutions in Washington, DC

The SSSBA March Semi-Annual meeting in Washington, DC unites industry experts to exchange ideas and advance steel solutions for short span bridges.
Dr. Robert Connor Featured on Road Less Traveled Podcast

In a recent episode of the Road Less Traveled podcast, Dr. Robert Connor of Purdue reflects on his path to becoming a national leader in steel bridge fatigue and fracture, and shares his vision for advancing bridge engineering and inspection across the United States.
Free Steel Bridge Plate Girder Design Course: 6-Part Live Webinar Series (Starts Feb. 24)

Take your bridge design skills to the next level in this free six-part webinar series led by Dr. Michael Barker, University of Wyoming. Learn step-by-step how to design a composite plate girder bridge and earn a certificate of completion in this course from the SSSBA.

Upcoming Events

Attend the AISI Corrosion Advisory Group Meeting (April 17)

Join technical experts at the AISI Corrosion Advisory Group (CAG) meeting in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to review recent developments in steel corrosion research, protective coatings and structural durability practices. The day includes a tour of High Steel Structures and a hybrid meeting session – attend in person or virtually – to share insights, discuss emerging technologies and collaborate with industry peers on practical corrosion mitigation strategies.
Free Webinar – Galvanize It! Duplex Systems: Coating Galvanized Steel (March 26)

The American Galvanizers Association invites you to attend a free, one-hour webinar on hot-dip galvanized steel and the synergistic benefits of combining galvanizing with paint or powder coatings.
SSSBA to Present at 2026 Purdue Road School in West Lafayette, IN (March 17)

Join the SSSBA at the 2026 Purdue Road School on March 17 (11:00–11:50 AM) to explore free tools for designing short span steel bridges. Hear a contractor’s perspective on simplifying construction, improving efficiency, and reducing costs.
Free Steel Bridge Plate Girder Design Course: 6-Part Live Webinar Series (Starts Feb. 24)

Take your bridge design skills to the next level in this free six-part webinar series led by Dr. Michael Barker, University of Wyoming. Learn step-by-step how to design a composite plate girder bridge and earn a certificate of completion in this course from the SSSBA.
Free 4-Part Quarterly Webinar Series: Steel Bridge Playbook (Next Webinar May 7)

This free, four-part quarterly webinar series delivers expert insights on steel bridge design, preservation, and innovation. Explore essential design resources, corrosion protection through galvanizing, accelerated construction methods, and real-world case studies to gain practical guidance for every steel bridge project. Sponsored by SSSBA and AGA.
New Jersey Short Span Steel Bridge Workshop (Feb. 12 – Trenton, NJ)

Sponsored by the SSSBA, the New Jersey workshop offers practical, up-to-date guidance on cost-effective, durable steel bridge solutions to help local agencies address infrastructure needs and make the most of limited resources.
Steel Bridge Lecture: Steel Solutions for Local Communities (Ft. Collins, CO – Feb. 19)

Join the SSSBA and Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC) on February 19 in Fort Collins, Colorado, for “Building Bridges: Steel Solutions for Local Communities” presented by Dr. Michael Barker. Learn how short span steel bridges cut costs, speed construction, and earn 1.0 PDH.