Short Span Steel Bridges 
New Jersey’s 21 Counties to Receive $44 million to Improve Local Bridges
Image: Atlantic County, NJ completed a $6.5 million full replacement of the Cotton Mill Bridge in Mays Landing, originally built in 1940 over the Great Egg Harbor River. Funded in part by the 2015-2017 Local Bridges Fund and featuring steel girders, the new bridge was widened to include 6-foot sidewalks, 15-foot shared-use lanes for pedestrians and cyclists.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced the grant solicitation period for the FY25 Local Bridges Fund program is open, with applications being accepted through February 4, 2025.
“The Local Bridges Fund provides counties with the financial assistance needed to make critical improvements to bridges under their jurisdiction,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “This program improves local infrastructure, helping make Gov. Murphy’s commitment to a safe, efficient, and equitable transportation system a reality for everyone who travels through New Jersey.”
The Local Bridges Fund is a $44 million program funded through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), which provides funding for each of New Jersey’s 21 counties for the improvement of county bridges.
Every county receives $1 million, and the additional funding is allotted based on a formula taking into account the total bridge deck area in the county and the amount of deck area in poor condition in the county. As part of the Department’s Statewide Capital Investment Strategy, the grants are intended to help counties focus on the bridges within their jurisdiction with the greatest structural deficiencies.
The grants are administered by the NJDOT Division of Local Aid and Economic Development and evaluated by the Division of Bridge Engineering and Infrastructure Management. Each year, Local Aid grants represent a significant portion of Local System Support, which also includes local lead projects, regional planning and project development, and transportation alternative projects, such as Safe Routes to School.
For more information about the Local Bridges Fund program or other Local Aid programs go to www.njdotlocalaidrc.com
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.