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AISC/NSBA is seeking volunteers to support the Student Steel Bridge Competition, helping teams from more than 200 colleges and universities—no experience required.

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.

Hosted by Purdue University and sponsored by the National Steel Bridge Alliance, this four-part webinar series features leading experts presenting state-of-practice topics across steel bridge fabrication, design, evaluation and inspection.

According to ARTBA’s newly released market outlook, the U.S. transportation construction market is expected to grow nearly three percent to a record $209.1 billion in 2026,

This three-part on-demand video series covers integral abutments, simple for dead continuous for live designs and prefabricated bridge options.

Acrow’s modular steel detour bridge in Alpine, Wyoming, ensures safe traffic flow while the Salt River bridge undergoes repairs.

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.

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.

SSSBA members are invited to attend the next semi-annual meeting, available virtually or in person in Washington, D.C., to discuss the latest research, technical advancements and educational initiatives in steel bridge design and construction.

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.

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.

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.

SSSBA member Acrow supplied two prefabricated modular steel bridges to keep traffic moving during major infrastructure projects in Clark and Floyd Counties, Indiana.

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 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.

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)

The American Galvanizers Association explains how kettle size limits can be overcome with strategies like modular design, progressive dipping, and other creative solutions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

During Infrastructure Week, Dr. Michael Barker and Jeff Cunningham highlighted the benefits of galvanized steel in resilient bridge design and construction. An on-demand video of the presentation is now available.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By choosing a steel beam girder bridge, the county reduced the overall project costs and decreased the time for construction.

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 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.

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.

Watch the video and download the presentation from the Webinar, “Steel Bridges for Local Communities,” sponsored by the Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP).

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.

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.

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.

Russ Renner, Whiteside County Engineer, decided on a steel solution for an upcoming 105′ long bridge replacement project.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Complimentary SSSBA workshops advance bridge construction practices with innovative techniques and collaborative learning – schedule yours today!

SSSBA member Acrow’s modular steel bridges reduce motorist disruption during an Alabama bridge replacement project.