Short Span Steel Bridges 
Prefabricated Steel Bridge in North Dakota Earns National Recognition
Article provided by the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
The American Institute of Steel Construction and the National Steel Bridge Alliance recognized eight bridges with 2024 Prize Bridge Awards–the structural steel industry’s highest design honor for bridges.
The new 36th Street NE bridge over the Goose River near Northwood, N.D., shows how steel can deliver durability, speed and resilience in challenging conditions. Located in a flood-prone area with long winters and limited clearance, the project used a prefabricated steel solution with weathering steel beams for low maintenance and a single-span design to clear the river.
Prefabrication allowed for quick installation during winter, while steel substructures supported cold-weather construction and accelerated the timeline. Concrete and timber alternatives were considered but proved less practical and cost-effective.
The winning option, fabricated by TrueNorth Steel, a member of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA), provided the best value. The design proved especially advantageous when a near-record flood struck during installation—steel substructures outside the channel avoided damage, and the project stayed on track.
The bridge opened before the spring planting season, minimizing disruption to the local farm economy.
Prefabricated Design Recognized with 2024 Prize Bridge Award
Built at TrueNorth Steel’s Fargo, N.D., plant and delivered in just four pieces, the superstructure was installed quickly, allowing the bridge to be completed in only two months. The project earned national recognition as an AISC/NSBA 2024 Prize Bridge Award winner, highlighting the effectiveness of prefabricated steel solutions.
Steel Innovation Strengthens Communities and Economies
The 36th Street NE bridge replacement not only met technical and environmental challenges but also supported the local economy. By enabling construction during the winter months, the community avoided lengthy closures during peak agricultural activity.
The result was a resilient, cost-effective bridge that serves both transportation needs and regional commerce.
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
Bridges of Franklin County: Why Missouri is Turning to Steel
Franklin County, Missouri, saved $283,000 by selecting steel over concrete for four short-span bridge projects, demonstrating that simplified designs combined with a competitive bidding process can deliver exceptional value, durability and long-term performance.
Buried Bridge
Buried Steel Bridge Preserves Streambed While Supporting Heavy Loads
A new galvanized buried steel bridge in Riverside, Iowa, supplied by SSSBA member Lane Enterprises, replaced a weight-restricted structure and restored direct access for local farmers. Its open-bottom steel design preserves the natural streambed, enhances durability, and provides a cost-effective solution for rural infrastructure.