Prefabricated
Prefabrication Improves the Efficiency of Bridge Design and Construction.
Several methods of prefabricated, or modular bridge technology, are in use to build better-quality bridges faster. The use of these different methods applies to the substructure, superstructure and deck systems. The benefits of prefabricated bridges include:
- Improvement in the efficiency of bridge design and construction.
- Improved bridge site safety.
- Decrease in the disruption of traffic during construction.
- Improvement in the quality of construction.
- Reduced environmental impacts and life cycle costs.
Some modular bridge systems combine sections such as the superstructure and the deck surface, so the element can be transported as one unit to the bridge site. Equipment has been developed specifically to transport and install prefabricated bridge sections.
If you are looking for a prefabricated bridge supplier, please see Find-a-Supplier for a complete company directory.
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.
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.
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.
News
Short Span Steel Bridges Support Safer Jobsites
During Construction Safety Week, May 5 to 9, the industry highlights safer practices like using prefabricated short span steel bridges to reduce jobsite risks.
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.
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
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.
News
Steel’s Swift Response: Flood-Damaged Bridge Replaced in 4 Months
SSSBA member High Steel Structures replaced a flood-damaged bridge in New York in only four months. (Article from Modern Steel Construction)
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.
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
“Crafting a Coat” – Modern Steel Construction
Zinc Coating Life Predictor (ZCLP), was recently refined and made available by the American Galvanizers Association.
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
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
“Save a Bundle with Tub Girders” – Modern Steel Construction
The Michigan DOT shaved a year off its three year schedule by using bundled press-brake-formed tub girders for a 19 bridge replacement project.
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.
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.
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.
News
White House Announces Action Plan to Accelerate Infrastructure
The White House released an action plan to accelerate infrastructure projects by focusing on new approaches and expanding successful efforts to accelerate project planning, design, procurement and construction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Case Study
County Saves $30,000 Using a Prefabricated Steel Bridge Instead of Concrete
Whitman County, Washington installed a prefabricated steel bridge using a local county crew and saved $30,000 over a concrete structure.
Video
How are county engineers working to upgrade local infrastructure?
In this video, Brian Keierleber (Buchanan County, Iowa) provides a county perspective on upgrading our nation’s local infrastructure.
Video
Manufacturer Steel Bridge Solutions Showcase
In this video, Dr. Michael Barker (University of Wyoming) provides a showcase of manufacturer steel bridge solutions.
Case Study
Acrow Helps Restore Transportation Lifelines in Mozambique
Acrow provides 26 modular steel bridges to Mozambique to restore vital transportation routes damaged by cyclones in 2019.
Case Study
Cedar Creek Fish Passage Restoration Del Norte County, California
Video of a modular bridge installation that took place for the replacement of a culvert in a California fish passage.
News
“Tub Time” – Modern Steel Construction
A new report showcases the development of press brake-formed tub girder bridges.
Case Study
Innovative Bridge Design Saves Months in Construction Schedule
Muskingum County (Ohio) uses press brake tub girder bridge for accelerated bridge project.
Case Study
Midland County Bundles Innovative Steel Bridge System and Saves Big
The new Orr Road Bridge in Midland County, Michigan, is a press brake fabricated steel bridge.
Case Study
Ohio Bridge Raises the Bar for Future Short Span Construction
The Cannelville Road Bridge in Ohio was completed ahead of schedule, and is expected to have a service life of more than 100 years.
Short Span Steel Bridges