Larimer County Workshop Brings Practical Steel Solutions to Local Projects

Image: Dr. Michael Barker presents to the Larimer County Officials during the SSSBA workshop in Loveland, CO. 

On June 18, 2025, Larimer County, Colorado, hosted a one-day Short Span Steel Bridge Workshop in collaboration with the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA). Held in Loveland, Colorado, the workshop brought together county officials within the road and bridge department, as well as members of the SSSBA, to explore cost-effective and durable steel bridge solutions.

“This workshop was extremely valuable,” said Morgan Fay, Senior Civil Engineer and Project Manager at Larimer County. “It gave us a clearer understanding of the benefits of short-span steel bridges, along with some practical solutions. Steel will definitely be a stronger part of our conversations moving forward as we evaluate options for upcoming projects.”

The workshop brought together county officials within the road and bridge department, as well as members of the SSSBA, to explore cost-effective and durable steel bridge solutions.

Addressing a Critical Infrastructure Need

Short-span bridges serve as vital links in local and regional transportation networks. However, more than 188 million trips are made across structurally deficient bridges each day in the U.S., underscoring the urgency of addressing aging infrastructure. With over 224,000 bridges in need of repair or replacement, local agencies are seeking reliable and efficient solutions.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides the largest dedicated investment in bridges since the creation of the interstate system—presenting an opportunity to make meaningful improvements. Events like this workshop are designed to help decision-makers leverage those investments effectively using proven steel solutions.

Practical Solutions and Local Applications

The workshop featured a series of technical presentations from industry experts representing the University of Wyoming, Valmont Structures, Acrow, Lane Enterprises, Inc., and the American Galvanizers Association, covering:

• Short-span steel bridge types, key design considerations, and long-term maintenance

• Protective coating systems that extend bridge service life

• Modular steel truss bridge systems

• Press-brake formed tub girders with examples from the region

• Buried steel bridge options

An open discussion followed, with participants exploring how these solutions align with upcoming projects in Larimer County. The session fostered a practical exchange of ideas and strategies for consideration by the county officials.

Learn More or Schedule a Workshop

This event was part of a broader initiative by the SSSBA, which has provided training to more than 22,000 bridge owners and designers across the United States. The Larimer County event contributed to this ongoing effort, offering practical insights into how short-span steel solutions can help address today’s infrastructure challenges with speed, efficiency, and long-term value.

If you are interested in scheduling a workshop in your area, please contact:

• Dan Snyder (Director of the SSSBA) at dsnyder@steel.org or
• Michael Barker (University of Wyoming & SSSBA Director of Education) at barker@uwyo.edu