Short Span Steel Bridges 
Missouri DOT Fast-Tracks Bridge Replacement with Steel Solution
The following case study was provided by SSSBA member Valmont Structures.
PROFILE: The Market Street Bridge has been a main thoroughfare for residents and visitors for nearly two centuries in Missouri’s historic town of Hermann. With the help of Valmont’s engineering expertise and innovative U-BEAM™ bridge solution, the bridge was successfully and swiftly upgraded for safer travel and long-term resilience. This is the first state owned on system bridge project for the U-BEAM.
CHALLENGES: Design and engineer a sustainable, customized steel U-BEAM bridge solution that could be installed within the 75-day
timeline for construction.
SOLUTION: The Valmont U-BEAM bridge solution proved crucial to the project’s success. Designed specifically for shorter bridge spans,
this innovative infrastructure enabled a faster and more cost-effective construction process while enhancing the long-term durability of the bridge itself.
Located along the Missouri River about an hour west of St. Louis, Hermann, Mo., is known for its rich German heritage, beautiful vineyards, and historic, old-world architecture. Founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, who were drawn to the area because of its similarity to the Rhine valleys in Germany, Hermann is a popular destination. It attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Residents and visitors rely on crucial infrastructure like the Market Street Bridge, an on-system bridge which crosses Frene Creek on
Missouri Route 19. The original bridge was installed in the 1800s; an updated version was unveiled in the 1930s. After nearly 100 years of traffic on the old 1930s bridge, this vital thoroughfare in the heart of town needed updates. The lanes were narrow, with little room for pedestrians to cross safely.
Valmont created 15 customized U-BEAMs and delivered them ready for safe and seamless installation; no field welding or on-site adjustments were needed.
Collaborative Approach to Rehabilitation
In 2024, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) led an effort to rehabilitate the aging bridge to ensure greater safety and accessibility for motorists and pedestrians.
The Market Street Bridge rehabilitation project was spearheaded by Don Schnieders Excavating Company, Inc., which turned to Valmont, an industry leader in global infrastructure solutions, to provide a bridge solution that would ensure the safe, swift installation and durability needed for this critical update.
Valmont also teamed with Civil Design, Inc., the principal engineering firm for the project, and TEG Civil Engineering, the engineer of record for the girders. In addition to tapping its U-BEAM bridge solution as the right fit, Valmont collaborated with its partners to provide additional engineering expertise during the planning process to ensure the 118-foot long bridge met all necessary standards and specifications.
The narrow bearings of the Valmont U-Beam girders allowed reuse of more of the existing substructure.
Meeting Tight Deadlines with Innovation
The bridge closed to traffic, and construction began in June 2024, with a short 75-day window for contractors to complete the rehabilitation project.
After careful planning with its project partners, Valmont created 15 customized U-BEAMs and delivered them ready for safe and seamless installation; no field welding or on-site adjustments were needed.
All but one of the beams were installed in a single day. Due to inclement weather, the final beam was set the following day. The contractors could then move on to the next phase of the project, deck installation.
Bridge Built for the Future
After construction, the Market Street Bridge officially reopened with a community-wide celebration and a classic car parade to mark the milestone.
As a vital route, having the two-lane bridge back in service so quickly eased traffic pressure on neighborhood streets and restored a smooth flow for daily commuters and visitors. It not only conserved resources but also stands to improve life in Hermann with wider lanes and the new ADA-compliant pedestrian walkway. Additionally, it was raised by four inches, addressing concerns about potential minor flooding in the area.
Ultimately, the bridge solution spells future cost savings by reducing future maintenance needs, thanks to the strength and longevity of the galvanized steel U-BEAMs. Valmont is proud to be a partner in ensuring communities like Hermann have safe, reliable infrastructure that supports future growth and resilience.
Download Full Case Study (PDF)
Contact Information
Steel Fabricator
Guy Nelson, P.E., S.E.
Business Development Director – North American Structures
Valmont Industries, Inc.
28800 Ida Street
Valley, NE 68064
616.813.8514
Email: Guy.Nelson@valmont.com
Website: https://www.valmontstructures.com/products-solutions/traffic-mass-transit/bridge-systems
Product Specialist
Melissa Islam
The Will Group
Email: mislam@thewillgroup.com
Website: https://www.twginfrastructuresolutions.com/bridges
What are Press Brake Tub Girders?
Press-brake-formed tub girder (PBTG) is a new technology for short span bridge applications. It consists of modular galvanized shallow trapezoidal boxes fabricated from cold-bent structural steel plate (watch fabrication video). A concrete deck is recommended to be precast on the girder and the modular unit can be shipped by truck to the bridge site.
The system utilizes standard plate widths (based on availability) and is optimized to achieve maximum structural capacity, with most of the steel in the bottom flange and increased torsional stiffness. It is a closed system, since the girder is closed at the bottom. It is versatile for multiple-deck options.
The system utilizes Accelerated Bridge Construction practices, since it:
- Can be installed in one or two days
- Is modular, allowing the use of a precast deck
- Is cost-effective―as much as 1/3 less than a standard concrete girder structure
- Is simple to fabricate, requiring very little welding.
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance has developed standardized plans using standard plate sizes (60”, 72” 84”, 96”, 108”, 120”). The designs were developed to achieve maximum structural capacity and are available to use in the free-to-use, web-based design tool eSPAN140.
The press-brake-formed tub girder system is open source.
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