Short Span Steel Bridges 
FHWA Makes $3B Available for Bridge Investment – Bridge Applications Due June 29
Photo – Sean McMaster, FHWA administrator – Credit Ohio DOT
The follow was provided by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
The Federal Highway Administration is making $3 billion available via its Bridge Investment Program or BIP for states to invest in aging bridge infrastructure across the country.
The agency added that its notice of funding opportunity provides fiscal support for two types of BIP grants.
“Planning” grants support planning, feasibility analyses, and revenue forecasting associated with the development of a future BIP eligible project, FHWA noted, while “Bridge Project” grants support bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection projects with total eligible costs of $100 million or less.
FHWA said planning grant applicants are due by June 15, with bridge project grant applications due by June 29.
“[We are] clearing the path for states to rebuild aging bridges faster and more efficiently,” explained Sean Duffy, secretary of the U.S. Department Transportation, in a statement.
“We are putting the focus back where it belongs: safety, reliability, and getting Americans home to their families,” he said.
“[We are] getting back to basics to upgrade America’s bridge projects nationwide, improving mobility and reliability for travelers,” added Sean McMaster, FHWA administrator. “We are giving states and local governments more flexibility to decide how to best accelerate bridge building projects in their communities.”
Does the SSSBA offer educational opportunities?
Yes! The SSSBA offers educational opportunities to students and professionals:
Professionals: The SSSBA provides complimentary half-day or full-day workshops on short span steel bridge design to states, counties, and design firms. Topics covered include practical and cost-effective steel bridge design and fabrication with eSPAN140, press-brake-formed steel tub girders, steel buried bridge design, galvanized coating solutions, and economical design with case studies, and more. The workshops can take place virtually or in-person, compliments of the steel industry. Learn more.
Students: The University of Wyoming and the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance created a free 6-part live-lecture educational series to cover the many aspects of designing, fabricating, and constructing steel bridges. All students who successfully complete the education series will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Wyoming. Learn more.
Speakers: The SSSBA provides expert speakers to present topics of interest on the cost-effective design and construction of short span steel bridges. If you need a speaker for your next event, contact the SSSBA.
Press Brake & Folded Plate
Growing Momentum for Press-Brake Tub Girders in Short Span Bridge Construction
Growing fabrication capabilities and successful bridge installations are creating new opportunities for press-brake tub girders in short span bridge construction. Recent developments involving Nelson Bridge Systems and Delta Steel demonstrate how industry collaboration is helping expand the availability and use of this innovative technology.
Durability & Coatings
Steel Bridge Durability: Weathering Steel and Corrosion Protection Resources
The SSSBA, with assistance from the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA), has compiled technical resources on weathering steel performance and corrosion protection systems for steel bridges. These resources provide research findings, design guidance, and best practices to help bridge owners and engineers make informed decisions that support long-term bridge durability.
News
Steel Bridge Task Force Honors Thomas Murphy with 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award
The Steel Bridge Task Force honored Thomas P. Murphy of Modjeski and Masters with the 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award during its September 28 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. The award recognizes Murphy’s outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing steel bridge design, research and AASHTO specifications.