News

In this four-part, on-demand video series, watch leading industry experts share insights on cost-efficient, resilient steel bridge design and installation. Downloadable presentation materials are available.

AASHTO recently submitted its surface transportation reauthorization recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to the agency’s Request for Information.

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.

Voters approved 82% of 283 transportation funding measures in 2025, generating an estimated $24 billion for roads, bridges, trails, and rail, according to ARTBA’s Transportation Investment Advocacy Center.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! 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 brand-new course from the SSSBA.

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.

U.S. Bridge is expanding its Cambridge, Ohio operations with a multimillion-dollar investment, creating new jobs and boosting production to meet growing demand for steel bridges.

A new publication by the American Galvanizers Association compares the performance of hot-dip galvanized (HDG) rebar and epoxy-coated rebar in reinforced structures.

Caroline Bennett of the University of Kansas has been selected to receive the 2026 AISC T.R. Higgins Lectureship Award in recognition of her research advancing the longevity of critical infrastructure.

Matthew Reichenbach, Ph.D., P.E., of Drexel University, delivered the 2025 Robert J. Dexter Memorial Award Lecture to the Steel Bridge Task Force in Lafayette, Indiana, sharing his research on the lateral-torsional buckling behavior of non-prismatic steel bridge girders.

Submit your entry to the National Steel Bridge Alliance’s 2026 Prize Bridge Awards, celebrating the nation’s most innovative steel bridges, including outstanding short span projects.

The Steel Bridge Task Force has named Gary Wisch, engineering and business development advisor for DeLong’s Inc., the recipient of the 2025 Alexander D. Wilson Memorial Award.

The SSSBA’s September Semi-Annual meeting in Indianapolis united industry leaders, county engineers, and experts to share innovations, key research and practical insights on short span steel bridges.

AASHTO recently submitted its surface transportation reauthorization recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to the agency’s Request for Information.

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.

Connect with industry peers through the SSSBA LinkedIn Group—an ongoing forum for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in steel bridge solutions.

The AISC Teaching Faculty Award honors a faculty member whose primary responsibility is teaching structural steel design and/or a materials course that features steel as part of the curriculum (Nominations due Sept. 15)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced $488 million in BUILD grants, with 77% directed to roads and bridges to strengthen the arteries of the American economy.

At the 2025 International Bridge Conference, the SSSBA brought together top industry experts to share powerful insights and real-world strategies on corrosion protection systems for steel bridges.

The SSSBA will host a session at the International Bridge Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, focused on corrosion protection systems for steel bridges, featuring expert presentations on weathering steel, galvanizing, metallizing and painting.

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is pleased to announce that Myrissa Welch, steel applications engineer at SSAB, has been named chair of the SSSBA.

The updated Bridge Investment Program and Competitive Highway Bridge Program will address the thousands of bridges across the country in dire need of repair or replacement.

On June 18, the SSSBA collaborated with Larimer County, Colorado, to hold a one-day workshop focused on exploring cost-effective and resilient steel bridge solutions.

AISI’s Welding Advisory Group met at DeLong’s Inc. to discuss welding technologies, fabrication innovations, and research supporting steel bridge construction.

For a record-breaking fifth consecutive year, student engineers at the University of Florida were crowned the National Champions in the 2025 Student Steel Bridge Competition.

At the 2025 AISI General Meeting, Dr. Michael Barker, University of Wyoming, and David Stoddard, SSAB, were recognized for their exceptional leadership in advancing the use of steel in the bridge construction market.

This weekend, student teams from 43 colleges and universities across the U.S. will compete in the 2025 Student Steel Bridge Competition National Finals, hosted at Iowa State University.

The National Steel Bridge Alliance is currently accepting abstracts for the 2026 World Steel Bridge Symposium, April 22–24 in Atlanta! Submit your abstract online by May 30.

The approved grants include $1.4 billion for 17 projects funded through the Bridge Investment Program by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

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.

State and local highway and bridge contract awards reached $33.5 billion through March 2025, an increase of 11.7 percent over last year, signaling continued growth in infrastructure investment and strong opportunities for the short span steel bridge industry.

During Construction Safety Week, May 5 to 9, the industry highlights safer practices like using prefabricated short span steel bridges to reduce jobsite risks.

The SSSBA was proud to participate in the 2025 NACE Annual Conference, a productive and inspiring event that featured technical sessions, industry recognition and meaningful engagement with county engineers nationwide.

Valmont Structures developed a summary outlining how the new AASHTO 10th Edition Bridge Design Specifications impact the use of press-brake tub girders (U-BEAMS) in bridge construction.

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association announced the 2025 project of the year winners, including members of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance.

State and local highway and bridge contract awards totaled $22.2 billion through February 2025, up from $18.8 billion over the same period in 2024, according to new data from ARTBA.

The SSSBA will present, exhibit and sponsor the Executive Committee dinner at the NACE Annual Conference, April 13-17 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Stop by exhibit booth #425 to learn about the benefits of steel bridges and pickup a free gift!

ASCE’s 2025 Infrastructure Report Card upgraded the overall U.S. infrastructure grade to a ‘C,’ partly due to IIJA investments, while bridges maintained a ‘C’ grade from 2021.

The SSSBA will present and exhibit at NASCC: The Steel Conference, April 2-4 in Louisville, Kentucky. Stop by kiosk #16 to learn about the benefits of steel bridges and pickup a free gift!

The Trump administration has nominated Sean McMaster, former vice president of HNTB, to be the next administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.

OSHA’s safety standards require shear studs to be field-installed to reduce tripping hazards, though some project owners allow welding before galvanizing. New research is exploring welding methods that eliminate the need to to remove hot-dip galvanizing and metallizing.

The SSSBA held a successful semi annual meeting on March 12, bringing together industry leaders to discuss innovation, standardization, education and market development for short span steel bridges.

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has named Dr. Karl E. Barth, West Virginia University, as a recipient of the 2025 Special Achievement Award.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced the award of $8.7 million to support bridge projects as part of ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program.

Frank Russo, Ph.D., P.E. at Russo Structural Services, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to steel bridge design, construction and education.

Leaders of the House T&I Committee outlined their priorities for federal surface transportation reauthorization as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approaches its September 2026 expiration.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the administration’s commitment to infrastructure investment, permitting reform and innovation during his keynote at the AASHTO Washington Briefing.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) this week has reached out to senior policymakers in the Trump administration and key members of Congress with a blueprint highlighting the top steel industry priorities of AISI members for 2025.

The Local Bridges Fund, a $44 million initiative supported by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), provides essential funding to all 21 counties in New Jersey to enhance and modernize county bridges.

Professor Emeritus Karl H. Frank, PE, PhD, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Geerhard Haaijer Award for Excellence in Education, presented by the American Institute of Steel Construction.

Highway and bridge construction activity reached $21.6 billion in September 2024, contributing to a record-breaking $108 billion year-to-date, driven by ongoing Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) projects.

Voters approved 77 percent of 370 transportation funding measures on state and local ballots nationwide, generating an estimated $41.4 billion in new and renewed funding for roads, bridges, trails and rail projects.

Dr. Michael Barker will present on prefabricated steel bridges and accelerated construction at the North Central States Consortium Annual Meeting, highlighting efficient, cost-effective bridge solutions.

The FHWA has announced a new round of funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the construction, repair, and modernization of 22 small and medium-sized bridge projects in rural and urban areas.

Gary Prinz offered a presentation on recent steel bridge fatigue research for the 2024 Robert J. Dexter Memorial Award Lecture to members of the Steel Bridge Task Force on September 25, 2024, in Charlotte, NC.

The Steel Bridge Task Force has named David Stoddard, senior steel applications engineer of SSAB Americas, the recipient of the 2024 Alexander D. Wilson Memorial Award.

Ronnie Medlock, High Steel Structures, has been selected to receive the AISC’s 2025 T.R. Higgins Lectureship Award for his contributions to the FHWA Bridge Welding Reference Manual.

The SSSBA semiannual meeting brought together members to focus on innovation, standardization, education and market development for short span steel bridges.

As federal infrastructure funds begin to flow, steel products are poised to drive the next wave of U.S. construction growth.

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.

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

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.

An ARTBA analysis of the 2024 U.S. DOT National Bridge Inventory shows 36% of U.S. bridges need repairs, with 76,175 requiring full replacement.

The Stearns Bayou Bridge in Michigan, the first hot-dip galvanized steel bridge in North America, has remained maintenance-free for over 50 years, setting a precedent for the use of galvanized steel due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.

The National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) offers a new set of 14 PowerPoint modules covering university-level fundamentals of steel bridge engineering.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and partners were selected to receive a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance clean steel production.

The American Iron and Steel Institute’s (AISI) construction program is dedicated to bridging the gaps among steel producers, owners, designers and policymakers to provide resilient, steel-based solutions.

Student engineers from the University of Florida secured their fourth straight first-place overall win in the Student Steel Bridge Competition National Finals.

Brian Keierleber recognized for his significant contributions to advancing the competitive use of steel in the marketplace.

This document details a study conducted with the FHWA Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Program that considers longer term performance of UWS structures.

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.

SSSBA member High Steel Structures replaced a flood-damaged bridge in New York in only four months. (Article from Modern Steel Construction)

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced a contract award to establish and administer the Reconnecting Communities Institute (RCI) focused on transportation opportunities.

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association presented 48 plants with safety awards – including SSSBA members Contech, TrueNorth Steel and Lane Enterprises.

Presented annually, the Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards honors the finest achievements in using hot-dip galvanizing in an ideal, creative, innovative or monumental fashion.

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association announced the 2024 project of the year winners, including three members of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is now accepting applications for infrastructure projects of regional or national significance for three major grant programs.

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) is now accepting nominations for its 2025 awards that honor outstanding steel industry professionals and designers.

Despite the declining number of deficient bridges, continued investment in sustainable solutions is needed to address current infrastructure-related challenges.

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). 

The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit within the House of Representatives held a hearing on March 21 focused on rural interstate and transit programs.

Bridge Task Force member and award-winning steel bridge researcher Dr. Rob Connor was recently interviewed on an American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) podcast.

The Federal Highway Administration issued a notice of funding opportunity focused on finding innovative solutions for challenges that local and tribal transportation workers encounter.

In late 2023, a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) panel discussion provided tips and resources to industry stakeholders applying for USDOT grants.

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) will present the J. Lloyd Kimbrough Award to bridge industry legend Michael A. Grubb, PE.

President Biden emphasized the significance of collaborating with counties and prioritizing infrastructure investment during the NACo Legislative Conference. 

Justin Ocel, Ph.D., P.E. at the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Resource Center, was recognized for his leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications.

Zinc Coating Life Predictor (ZCLP), was recently refined and made available by the American Galvanizers Association.

The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration releases guidelines focused on repair procedures and retrofit for damaged steel bridges.

FHWA announced an additional $729 million in funding for road and bridge repair needs following catastrophic events.

Two short span steel bridges that featured multiple SSSBA members were recently honored with bridge awards by NSBA.

Last week, over 40 members attended the SSSBA semiannual meeting in New Orleans, LA. The next meeting will take place in September 2024.

World Bridge Engineering Conference is officially accepting abstracts for upcoming 2024 event.

The American steel industry has made significant investments in cleaner and more sustainable production processes. But unless companies overseas do the same, American manufacturing’s commitment to sustainability will put us at a disadvantage.

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) launched a new video focused on the resiliency of corrugated steel pipe – commonly used in buried steel bridges.