Short Span Steel Bridges 
AREMA/NSBA Present Constructability and Fabrication Guidelines for Steel Railroad Bridges
The following information was provided by the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
There’s a vital new resource available for anyone who designs steel railroad bridges, thanks to a collaboration between NSBA and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association – Guidelines for the Design of Steel Railroad Bridges for Constructability and Fabrication.
While there are some similarities between highway and railroad bridges, there are key differences in design and construction that designers need to be aware of.
This guide describes special considerations for railroad bridges in the areas of design, girders, boxes, trusses, floor systems, decks and walkways, bolts, corrosion protection, and construction.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering, Chapter 15–Steel Structures, and other referenced documents for further clarification on specific issues.
Does steel provide an economical solution for bridge construction?
- Due to the light weight of steel, cost savings can be significant
- Studies show that weathering, A1010 (A709-50CR), and galvanized steel reduces both initial and life cycle costs.
- Steel can compete and even save costs when compared with nearly identical concrete structures. re.
- Steel bridges also have long lives, decreasing the need for replacement.
- Steel’s high strength permits longer spans, minimizing disruption to underlying habitats.
- Steel is highly resistant to extreme natural disasters such as earthquakes.
- Steel is the world’s most recycled material and is infinitely recyclable.
- Short span steel bridges can be designed with prefabricated elements which provide a simpler installation and cost savings.
Events
Free Webinar: Galvanize It! Core Webinar (Aug. 26)
SSSBA member American Galvanizers Association’s Core Galvanize It! webinar provides an introduction to hot-dip galvanizing, covering the galvanizing process, zinc coatings, and key benefits such as corrosion resistance, durability, longevity, sustainability and life-cycle cost. The seminar is AIA and RCEP accredited for 1.0 LU/PDH.
Durability & Coatings
AGA Releases Guide for Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Bridge Design
SSSBA member the American Galvanizers Association has released a new resource on hot-dip galvanized steel bridges, highlighting durable, low-maintenance solutions that support long service life.
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.