Resources
Resources for Bridge Owners and Designers
Approximately 310,000 (52%) of the bridges in the United States are classified as a city/county/township bridge (short span bridges). Approximately 25% of these bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance is working to support the needs of the bridge community through the development of educational and technical resources.
Steel offers solutions to any type of crossing. Short span steel bridges and buried soil structures can be built quickly, using local crews, and can be designed using prefabricated components which are simple to install and offer considerable cost savings. Steel offers a long service life with minimal maintenance, and provides unmatched sustainable benefits.
The following resouces provide further insight into the unique benefits of short span steel bridges and buried soil structures:
- eSPAN140 – A free, web-based design tool that provides customized short span steel bridge solutions in less than five minutes. To access this tool, users go to espan140.com; type in the parameters for their projects such as span length, width and the number of striped traffic lanes; and receive customized preliminary designs and the names of suppliers and fabricators who can take the project from concept through completion. Since 2012, more than 10,000 preliminary designs have been generated by eSPAN140.
- eBEAM140 –A a free Excel-based tool, built on the AASHTO 10th Edition specifications, for designing and refining simple span composite and noncomposite steel bridge beams.
- Bridge Resources for Contractors – NSBA developed a library of practical tools and guidance to help contractors streamline bidding, improve constructability planning, and make informed decisions on material selection, corrosion protection, scheduling, and other aspects of steel bridge projects.
- Case Studies – The SSSBA has developed dozens of case studies to showcase the use of steel in a variety of applications.
- Research – Over the past decade, the SSSBA has developed a growing list of various steel projects which explore specific pieces of bridge research and development.
- Construction – The SSSBA provides tools and information to construct a safe and cost-effective steel bridge.
- Design – This section contains various resources to assist in the design and construction of short span steel bridges.
- Blog – An interactive forum containing articles and information on short span steel bridge related topics. This site is constantly updated and provides users with the ability to comment on topics of interest.
Education
Steel Bridges for Smarter, Faster Construction – On-Demand Steel Bridge Video Series
This three-part on-demand video series covers integral abutments, simple for dead continuous for live designs and prefabricated bridge options.
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridge Keeps Rural Wyoming Connected
Acrow’s modular steel detour bridge in Alpine, Wyoming, ensures safe traffic flow while the Salt River bridge undergoes repairs.
Steel Bridge Basics
AASHTO Offers Guardrail Courses On Basics, Installation and Maintenance
AASHTO recently submitted its surface transportation reauthorization recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to the agency’s Request for Information.
Case Study
Bridges of Franklin County: Why Missouri is Turning to Steel
Franklin County, Missouri, saved $283,000 by selecting steel over concrete for four short-span bridge projects, demonstrating that simplified designs combined with a competitive bidding process can deliver exceptional value, durability and long-term performance.
Design
AASHTO/NSBA Release Updated Steel Bridge Fabrication QA/QC Guidelines
The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration has released the updated G4.1 Steel Bridge Fabrication QC/QA Guidelines, outlining minimum quality control and assurance requirements to support consistent inspections and verification.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Preserves Streambed While Supporting Heavy Loads
A new galvanized buried steel bridge in Riverside, Iowa, supplied by SSSBA member Lane Enterprises, replaced a weight-restricted structure and restored direct access for local farmers. Its open-bottom steel design preserves the natural streambed, enhances durability, and provides a cost-effective solution for rural infrastructure.
Case Study
“Hot Off the Printer” – Modern Steel Construction
In a Modern Steel Construction article, AISC highlighted the potential of 3D printing with steel by assembling a team of industry experts to design and fabricate a 36-foot-long 3D-printed bridge showcased at NASCC: The Steel Conference.
Case Study
Prefabricated Steel Detour Bridges Minimize Work Zone Impact of Highway Construction in Southern Indiana
SSSBA member Acrow supplied two prefabricated modular steel bridges to keep traffic moving during major infrastructure projects in Clark and Floyd Counties, Indiana.
Case Study
Prefabricated Steel Bridge in North Dakota Earns National Recognition
Fabricated by SSSBA member TrueNorth Steel, the Goose River bridge in North Dakota was completed in just two months and earned an AISC/NSBA 2024 Prize Bridge Award.
Case Study
Michigan DOT Selects Modular Steel Bridge for Detour Solution
The Michigan DOT selected a modular steel bridge from SSSBA member Acrow for US-131 in Kalamazoo, ensuring continuous traffic flow and uninterrupted rail operations during the replacement of two aging bridges.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Protects Wildlife and Motorists in New Mexico DOT Project
The New Mexico DOT buried steel bridge project, featuring SSSBA member Contech’s custom structural plate design, was honored as the NCSPA Project of the Year for its innovative wildlife crossing solution on I-25 at Raton Pass.
Accelerated
“New and Improved” – Modern Steel Construction
In an article from Modern Steel Construction, the emergency replacement of a damaged northwest Pennsylvania bridge resulted in a safer, more efficient steel bridge, with SSSBA member High Steel Structures as the fabricator and detailer for the project.
Case Study
Steel in Action: On-Demand Steel Bridge Video Series
Watch this four-part, on-demand video series featuring expert-led case studies on cost-effective, resilient short span bridge projects—now available with downloadable presentation materials.
Truss
“Go for Galvanized Trusses” – Modern Steel Construction
In an article from Modern Steel Construction, discover nine reasons why a galvanized steel truss bridge was the best solution for a rural Ohio creek crossing and why those same reasons may apply to your next local road project.
Case Study
Galvanized Steel Railway Bridge Assembled Off-Site, Installed in 11-Days
The Assonet River Railroad Bridge in Massachusetts was fully assembled off-site using galvanized steel and installed in just 11 days, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring long-term durability for expanded commuter rail service.
News
SSSBA Presents Steel Solutions for Rail Bridges
The SSSBA presented cost-effective, modular steel solutions for short span rail bridges and overpasses to address the evolving needs of rail infrastructure owners and designers.
Decks
Pennsylvania County Selects Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel for Urgent Bridge Project
For a recent bridge replacement, Mercer County chose a hot-dip galvanized steel bridge to ensure a durable, cost-effective solution that could be delivered quickly and withstand a corrosive environment.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Press-Brake Tub Girder Delivers Modern Upgrade for Historic Alabama County Bridge
After over 80 years of wear from daily traffic, the Parkwood Road Bridge was upgraded with Valmont’s U-BEAM™ system to enhance safety and streamline construction.
Case Study
Whitman County Saves 32 Percent with Steel Superstructure
By choosing a steel beam girder bridge, the county reduced the overall project costs and decreased the time for construction.
Buried Bridge
Corrugated Steel Animal Overpass Reduces Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions
The corrugated steel Stoney Nakoda Exshaw Wildlife Arch in Western Canada showcases the balance of engineering and environmental stewardship, setting a new standard for wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
Sustainability
Steel Bridge Restores Fish Migration in Olympic National Forest
A new 70-foot steel bridge in the Olympic National Forest restores a vital fish passage, demonstrating steel’s durability and adaptability for environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Missouri DOT Fast-Tracks Bridge Replacement with Steel Solution
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) replaced an aging bridge to enhance safety and accessibility, using a press-brake tub girder bridge from SSSBA member Valmont Structures.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Whiteside County (IL) Selects Steel Bridge Solution for Short Lead Time
Russ Renner, Whiteside County Engineer, decided on a steel solution for an upcoming 105′ long bridge replacement project.
Rolled Beam & Plate
MoDOT Reimagines Rural Steel Bridges through SDCL Design
Missouri Department of Transportation’s FARM Bridge Program applies Simple for Dead Load and Continuous for Live Load (SDCL) steel bridge design to deliver cost-effective and durable solutions for rural bridge replacements.
Buried Bridge
NCSPA Releases Report to Simplify the Seismic Design for Buried Structures
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) released a groundbreaking report that simplifies the seismic design for buried structures including culverts, tunnels and buried steel bridges.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Reconnects Aquatic Habitat for Alabama County
St. Clair County, Alabama, restored critical habitats for endangered species by replacing two polyethylene culverts with a buried steel bridge to reconnect a fragmented aquatic ecosystem.
News
Report Finds $198 billion Needed to Repair America’s Rural Transportation System
A new report from TRIP indicates the U.S. faces a $198 billion backlog in funding for needed repairs and improvements to the rural transportation system.
Case Study
“Press Forward” – Modern Steel Construction
The durability and rapid installation of press-brake-formed tub girders made them the optimal choice for replacing a concrete short-span bridge in Illinois
Design
AREMA/NSBA Present Constructability and Fabrication Guidelines for Steel Railroad Bridges
The new AREMA/NSBA guideline outlines key considerations for railroad bridge design, including girders, trusses, floor systems, decks, walkways, bolting, corrosion protection, and construction practices.
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridges Support Traffic During Alabama Bridge Replacement
SSSBA member Acrow’s modular steel bridges reduce motorist disruption during an Alabama bridge replacement project.
Design
NSBA Releases Steel Bridge Engineering PowerPoint Modules
The National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) offers a new set of 14 PowerPoint modules covering university-level fundamentals of steel bridge engineering.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Saves Ohio County $17,000
Logan County, Ohio, self-installed a buried steel bridge from SSSBA member Contech, saving over $17,000 compared to other options.
News
President Biden’s Administration Highlights Progress in Investing in Infrastructure
In 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The administration recently released a report highlighting the progress.
Case Study
NCSPA Project Spotlight: Corrugated Steel Used for Culvert Rehabilitation Project
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) spotlights a project that used galvanized corrugated metal pipe to rehabilitate a damaged culvert.
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridge Maintains Traffic During Bridge Replacement
A modular steel bridge from Acrow maintains heavy-duty truck traffic throughout a bridge replacement project in Utah.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Whiteside County (IL) Uses FHWA Funds for Accelerated Steel Bridge Project
Russ Renner, a Whiteside County Engineer, saved up to 12 weeks of lane closures by installing a steel bridge for the crossing.
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridge Reduces Traffic Delays During New Jersey Highway Construction
A modular steel bridge from Acrow prevents travel disruptions by providing detours for locals and tourists in northern New Jersey.
News
Bridge Construction Advancing Across the U.S: Further Work Ahead
Despite the declining number of deficient bridges, continued investment in sustainable solutions is needed to address current infrastructure-related challenges.
News
AISC Accepting Applications for Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) is soliciting applications from individuals interested in researching topics related to structural steel design and construction (deadline April 26).
Case Study
Buried Steel Bridge Connects Community College Campus
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) spotlights a project that used corrugated structural steel to connect a North Carolina college campus.
News
FHWA Seeks Grant Applications for Local Innovative Solutions
The Federal Highway Administration issued a notice of funding opportunity focused on finding innovative solutions for challenges that local and tribal transportation workers encounter.
Case Study
Corrugated Steel Pipe Safeguards Rail System from Excessive Storm Water
The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) spotlights a project that used corrugated steel pipe to provide a storm water solution in only 8 hours.
Design
AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration Releases Guidelines for Field Repairs and Retrofits
The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration releases guidelines focused on repair procedures and retrofit for damaged steel bridges.
Case Study
Acrow Bridge Carries Detour Traffic During Highway Construction in Oklahoma
A modular steel bridge from Acrow prevents travel disruptions by providing detour for locals and tourists in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma.
Case Study
Short Span Steel Bridge Projects Win Prize Bridge Awards
Two short span steel bridges that featured multiple SSSBA members were recently honored with bridge awards by NSBA.
Design
NSBA Posts Updated Guide to Navigating Routine Steel Bridge Design
This updated free guide from NSBA walks engineers through the design process, focusing on the specific provisions of the AASHTO specifications that apply to routine bridges.
Case Study
NCSPA Project Spotlight: Corrugated Steel Used to Rehabilitate Railroad Bridge Piers
The NCSPA spotlights a project that used galvanized corrugated steel forms to rehabilitate a railroad bridge.
News
Bridging the Future: States Make Strides in Infrastructure Development
States across the nation continue to make major investments in improving their own bridge infrastructure.
News
How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact the Construction Industry?
The application of artificial intelligence in various elements is well underway. Applying AI within the construction industry has arrived.
Case Study
Modular Steel Bridges Reconnect Routes After Flooding in California
Two Acrow modular steel bridges were installed to reconnect flood-damaged routes in San Luis Obispo County in California’s Central Coast region.
Buried Bridge
On-Demand Steel Bridge Video Series: Learning By Example
A distinguished panel of 8 industry experts to present case studies that offer innovative and cost-effective examples of steel bridge replacement projects.
News
Infrastructure Investment Spending Update
Although the number of deficient bridges is declining, we must continue to invest in sustainable solutions to meet future demands on our infrastructure.
Case Study
Modular Bridge Reconnects Key Route After Culvert Collapse in Colorado
After rushing waters caused the collapse a culvert, Acrow installed a steel modular bridge to reopen traffic in only 2 weeks.
Case Study
Steel Bridge Provides TDOT With Accelerated Solution, Restores School Bus Route
A steel press-brake-formed tub girder bridge offered a quick solution to restore a school bus route in Tennessee.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Barron County Installs Wisconsin’s First Steel Press-Brake Formed Tub Girder Bridge
Mark Servi, Barron County Highway Department, provided leadership for the construction of Wisconsin’s first press-brake tub girder steel bridge.
Durability & Coatings
Iowa County Uses Galvanized Steel for ‘Long Lasting’ Bridge Project
Watch an interview with county engineer Brian Keierleber regarding the Buffalo Creek Bridge project in Buchanan County, Iowa.
Durability & Coatings
AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration Releases Galvanizing Guide Specification
The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration released the new Hot-Dip Galvanizing Specification, providing information on a corrosion protection systems for steel bridges and other highway structures.
Buried Bridge
Union Pacific Bridge Replacement Wins NCSPA Project of the Year Award
A timber trestle Union Pacific Bridge was rehabilitated using polymer-coated structural plate pipe without disrupting rail operations.
Case Study
Temporary Steel Bridge Provides Safe Detour During Highway Construction in Texas
Acrow supplied a modular steel bridge as a cost-effective alternative for a phased construction project in Nacogdoches County, Texas.
Design
West Virginia DOT Publishes Standard Bridge Plans for Short Span Bridges
The SSSBA Bridge Technology Center worked with the West Virginia Department of Transportation to developed standard bridges plans for composite rolled beam and plate girders.
Buried Bridge
Connecticut DOT Buried Steel Bridge Wins NCSPA Project of the Year Award
The Yellow Mill Bridge project had specific needs that had to be met – a custom steel buried bridge provided by Contech Engineered Solutions met all of them.
Case Study
Acrow’s Modular Steel Truss System Supports Rehabilitation of Historic Covered Bridge
Acrow designed and supplied a freestanding modular steel truss system to provide support for the restoration of a historic covered bridge in Québec.
Truss
Suspended Steel Truss Bridge Connects Continents, Generations
U.S. Bridge designed and erected a steel truss bridge, over a historic 190-year old existing structure, to allow traffic to use a key connector in Ohio.
News
eSPAN140 Featured in Informed Infrastructure Steel Product Software Guide
eSPAN140 is a free-to-use, interactive web-based design tool for short span steel bridges up to 140 feet in length.
News
U.S. DOT Strategic Plan Includes $5 Billion in Research Funding
The U.S. DOT released a strategic plan that will guide more than $5 billion in research activities funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Design
SSSBA Provides Bridge Owners With Complimentary Design Details
The complimentary service allows for the production of standard rolled beam and plate girder designs for highway bridge applications.
Buried Bridge
County-Built Steel Plate Arch Bridge Turns 82
Built in 1941 by the Union County (Iowa) county crew, a 30 foot structural steel plate arch bridge is still performing well after 82 years.
News
Report Finds $180 Billion Needed to Repair U.S. Rural Transportation System
A new report from TRIP indicates the U.S. faces a $180 billion backlog in funding for needed repairs and improvements to the rural transportation system.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Steel Tub Girder High-Cycle Fatigue Testing Underway at West Virginia University
Galvanized steel press-brake steel tub girder sections arrived at West Virginia University for high-cycle fatigue testing.
Truss
Historic Steel Truss Bridge Rehabilitated, Placed Back In Service
Quality Bridge & Fab, Inc. fabricated the steel to rehabilitate a historic 146 year old bowstring truss bridge in Pennsylvania.
Research
Proposals Requested for Hybrid Steel Plate Girder Pooled Fund Study
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is requesting proposals to investigated dual grade/hybrid steel plate girders utilizing stainless steel.
Case Study
Acrow Bridge Permits Uninterrupted Traffic Flow During Highway Construction in Colorado
A modular steel bridge from Acrow minimizes travel disruptions for locals and tourists in Delta County, Colorado.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Steel Tub Girder Research Underway to Evaluate Compactness Designation of Skewed Box Sections
It is anticipated that the research may produce AASHTO code revisions in both AASHTO Chapter 4 and AASHTO Chapter 6.
Truss
Steel Truss Bridge Preserves Crossing for Miami County
U.S. Bridge answered the call with a steel truss bridge when Miami County, Ohio required a replacement structure that would limit the impact to the surrounding property.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Peoria County Looks to Steel for Innovative Bridge Replacement Project
Jeff Gilles, Peoria County Assistant Engineer, discusses the new Evans Mill Road Bridge featuring the use of steel press-brake tub girders.
Education
Steel Bridge Case Studies
Presentations from a five-part webinar series covering topics essential to the design and installation of steel bridges are now available on-demand.
Buried Bridge
Mason County (WA) Installs Buried Steel Bridge With Local Crews, Saves Money
Mason County (WA) provided cost savings to their residents by installing a Contech 30′ 8″ span x 9′ 8″ rise deep corrugated steel box culvert bridge with their local road crew.
Design
Steel Bridge Design Tools Demonstration
Presentations from a five-part webinar series covering topics essential to the design and installation of steel bridges are now available on-demand.
Accelerated
Video: Achieving Speed in Steel Bridge Fabrication
In this video, Ronnie Medlock, High Steel Structures, provides information on what you can do to either accelerate your project or simply keep it on schedule.
Buried Bridge
Steel Culvert Saves Minnesota County Time and $15,000 Over Concrete Options
Olmsted County needed a cost-effective solution to quickly replace a concrete structure before it collapsed – steel saved $15,000 and took less than 2 days to install.
Case Study
Acrow’s Modular Steel Bridges Reconnect Communities Impacted by Extreme Weather
Acrow supplied a permanent and temporary bridge to quickly reconnect communities in Northern Italy impacted by an extreme weather event.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Saves $500,000 and Three Months Versus Concrete Option
Contech wins the NCSPA Project of the Year award for the I-44 EB & WB buried steel bridge in Missouri.
Buried Bridge
Norfolk Southern Bridge Wins NCSPA Project of the Year Award
The award winning Norfolk Southern Bridge over Stoney Creek is a classic example of how structural integrity to an existing bridge can be restored without disrupting rail operations.
Case Study
Five Game-Changing County Steel Bridge Projects
These 5 county projects are changing the way bridges are designed and constructed.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge: High Speed Railway Ecological Overpass
This award winning project is the first ever corrugated steel plate ecological overpass constructed on a high speed railway in the world!
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Michigan Governor Announces First Steel Bridge in Bundling Project Open to Traffic
Due to their flexibility and low-cost, press-brake tub girders were selected by the Michigan DOT for 19-bridge bundling project.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Designed for 100-Year Service Life
The deep corrugated structural plate bridge enables safe vehicle traffic as well as free water flow of the Bauda River in Poland.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Michigan DOT Selects Steel for 19-Bridge Bundling Project
Due to their flexibility and low-cost, Valmont’s press-brake tub girders are selected for 19-bridge bundling project. Follow the project’s progress in real-time.
Sustainability
Research Report: Sustainability of Rural Steel and Concrete Bridges
The University of Wyoming conducted a study to evaluate the life cycle sustainability of two functionally equivalent steel and concrete rural bridges.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
County Engineer Presents Benefits of Press-Brake Tub Girders at Illinois Conference
Champaign County completed the installation of the first prefabricated steel press-brake tub girder bridge in the state of Illinois.
News
American Steel Bridge Industry is Ready to Meet the Nation’s Infrastructure Needs
The American steel industry has the capacity to support both the current and expected future demand for bridges to fix our nation’s infrastructure.
Design
NSBA Releases New Steel Bridge Design Handbook
The handbook is a popular and important reference for the design and construction of steel bridges.
Truss
Steel Truss Bridge Reunites Community After Woolsey Fire Decimates Region
After the Woolsey fire burned down the Mulholland Highway bridge, U.S. Bridge stepped in to reunite the community with a new steel truss bridge.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Provides Solution for Deteriorated Concrete Arch
The Kansas Department of Transportation elected to replace an existing concrete arch in place using a deep corrugated structural plate buried bridge from Big R Bridge.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Press-Brake Tub Girder Technology Expands to Multi-Span Applications
Valmont Structures installed a 104’ multi-span bridge using PBTG technology in a single morning.
Case Study
Washington Tribe Installs Fast Cast Bridge® in One Day
The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation installs a Fast Cast Bridge® to resolve a critical safety concern and avoid a long-term road closure.
Buried Bridge
Flexible Buried Bridges: Design and Construction (Part 2)
When designing a flexible buried steel bridge, factors such as site conditions, foundation alternatives, and construction considerations should be examined.
Truss
U.S. Bridge Provides Signature Truss Bridge for Luxury Development
U.S. Bridge recently completed the construction of a weathering steel truss bridge for the Marble Cliff development in Columbus, Ohio.
Case Study
Acrow Bridge Restores Route for Residents Impacted by Hurricane
Acrow supplied a modular steel bridge to provide passage between the communities impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Short Span Steel Bridges