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Steel Has The Solution

Short span steel bridges can be built quickly, using local crews, and often can be designed with prefabricated elements which provide a simpler installation and cost savings.

Steel Bridge Measurments

This table from a Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance presents the types of steel superstructures that can be applied to all bridge spans included in the short span range. Click on the image to enlarge the table.

Related Resources: Products

Minnesota LTPA Webinar 2025 Short Span steel Bridges

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.

Acrow bridge Wyoming DOT prefabricated steel bridge modular

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.

Bridges of Franklin County: Why Missouri is Turning to Steel weathering steel short span bridge

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 Steel Bridge Riverside Iowa Lane Enterprises

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.

HDG Rebar vs. Epoxy-Coated Rebar

HDG Rebar vs. Epoxy-Coated Rebar

A new publication by the American Galvanizers Association compares the performance of hot-dip galvanized (HDG) rebar and epoxy-coated rebar in reinforced structures.

Prefabricated Steel Detour Bridges Minimize Work Zone Impact of Highway Construction in Southern Indiana Acrow

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.

Short Span NSBA Award

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.

Michigan DOT Selects Modular Steel Bridge for Detour Solution ACROW prefabricated

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.

Determining and Overcoming the Size Limitations of Hot-Dip Galvanizing

Determining and Overcoming the Size Limitations of Hot-Dip Galvanizing

The American Galvanizers Association explains how kettle size limits can be overcome with strategies like modular design, progressive dipping, and other creative solutions.

Buried Steel Bridge Protects Wildlife and Motorists in New Mexico DOT Project

Buried Steel Bridge Protects Wildlife and Motorists in New Mexico DOT Project

The New Mexico DOT buried steel bridge project, featuring SSSBA member Contech’s custom structural plate design, was honored as the NCSPA Project of the Year for its innovative wildlife crossing solution on I-25 at Raton Pass.

Modern Steel PA Bridge High Steel

“New and Improved” – Modern Steel Construction

In an article from Modern Steel Construction, the emergency replacement of a damaged northwest Pennsylvania bridge resulted in a safer, more efficient steel bridge, with SSSBA member High Steel Structures as the fabricator and detailer for the project.

Steel in Action Webinar Series

Steel in Action: On-Demand Steel Bridge Video Series

Watch this four-part, on-demand video series featuring expert-led case studies on cost-effective, resilient short span bridge projects—now available with downloadable presentation materials.

Galvanized Steel Bridge - Modern Steel

“Go for Galvanized Trusses” – Modern Steel Construction

In an article from Modern Steel Construction, discover nine reasons why a galvanized steel truss bridge was the best solution for a rural Ohio creek crossing and why those same reasons may apply to your next local road project.

Assonet River Railroad Bridge in Assonet, Massachusetts, Steel Modular

Galvanized Steel Railway Bridge Assembled Off-Site, Installed in 11-Days

The Assonet River Railroad Bridge in Massachusetts was fully assembled off-site using galvanized steel and installed in just 11 days, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring long-term durability for expanded commuter rail service.

United for Infrastructure Week steel bridge resilience short span galvanizing

Video: United for Infrastructure Webinar – Steel Bridges and Resilience

During Infrastructure Week, Dr. Michael Barker and Jeff Cunningham highlighted the benefits of galvanized steel in resilient bridge design and construction. An on-demand video of the presentation is now available.

AREMA Steel Bridges

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.

galvanized short span steel bridge mercer county pennsylvania

Pennsylvania County Selects Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel for Urgent Bridge Project

For a recent bridge replacement, Mercer County chose a hot-dip galvanized steel bridge to ensure a durable, cost-effective solution that could be delivered quickly and withstand a corrosive environment.

Construction Safety Week 2025

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.

New Specs, New Opportunities for Press-Brake Tub Girders

Valmont Structures developed a summary outlining how the new AASHTO 10th Edition Bridge Design Specifications impact the use of press-brake tub girders (U-BEAMS) in bridge construction.

NCSPA 2025 Award Winners

NCSPA Announces 2025 Project of the Year Winners

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association announced the 2025 project of the year winners, including members of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance.

Parkwood Road Bridge press-brake tub girder vamont

Press-Brake Tub Girder Delivers Modern Upgrade for Historic Alabama County Bridge

After over 80 years of wear from daily traffic, the Parkwood Road Bridge was upgraded with Valmont’s U-BEAM™ system to enhance safety and streamline construction.

galvanized sheer studs

Shear Stud Welding: Before or After Hot-Dip Galvanizing?

OSHA’s safety standards require shear studs to be field-installed to reduce tripping hazards, though some project owners allow welding before galvanizing. New research is exploring welding methods that eliminate the need to to remove hot-dip galvanizing and metallizing.

Whitman County Steel Bridge

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.

Stoney Nakoda Exshaw Wildlife Arch

Corrugated Steel Animal Overpass Reduces Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

The corrugated steel Stoney Nakoda Exshaw Wildlife Arch in Western Canada showcases the balance of engineering and environmental stewardship, setting a new standard for wildlife-friendly infrastructure.

Olympic national park

Steel Bridge Restores Fish Migration in Olympic National Forest

A new 70-foot steel bridge in the Olympic National Forest restores a vital fish passage, demonstrating steel’s durability and adaptability for environmentally sustainable infrastructure.

Valmont U Beam - Hermann, Missouri Press Brake steel tub girder

Missouri DOT Fast-Tracks Bridge Replacement with Steel Solution

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) replaced an aging bridge to enhance safety and accessibility, using a press-brake tub girder bridge from SSSBA member Valmont Structures.

Valmont Press Brake Tub Girder Steel Bridge Whiteside Illinois

Whiteside County (IL) Selects Steel Bridge Solution for Short Lead Time

Russ Renner, Whiteside County Engineer, decided on a steel solution for an upcoming 105′ long bridge replacement project.  

simple for dead continuous for live Missouri dot steel bridge

MoDOT Reimagines Rural Steel Bridges through SDCL Design

Missouri Department of Transportation’s FARM Bridge Program applies Simple for Dead Load and Continuous for Live Load (SDCL) steel bridge design to deliver cost-effective and durable solutions for rural bridge replacements.

NCSPA Releases Report to Simplify the Seismic Design for Buried Structures

NCSPA Releases Report to Simplify the Seismic Design for Buried Structures

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) released a groundbreaking report that simplifies the seismic design for buried structures including culverts, tunnels and buried steel bridges.

buried steel bridge contech

Buried Steel Bridge Reconnects Aquatic Habitat for Alabama County

St. Clair County, Alabama, restored critical habitats for endangered species by replacing two polyethylene culverts with a buried steel bridge to reconnect a fragmented aquatic ecosystem.

Whiteside County IL

“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

Steel Railroad Guide

AREMA/NSBA Present Constructability and Fabrication Guidelines for Steel Railroad Bridges

The new AREMA/NSBA guideline outlines key considerations for railroad bridge design, including girders, trusses, floor systems, decks, walkways, bolting, corrosion protection, and construction practices.

Stearns Bayou Bridge galvanized

Still Strong: Revisiting the First Galvanized Bridge in North America

The Stearns Bayou Bridge in Michigan, the first hot-dip galvanized steel bridge in North America, has remained maintenance-free for over 50 years, setting a precedent for the use of galvanized steel due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.

Bridge Workshop - Classroom

Building Better Bridges: The Influence of SSSBA Workshops

Complimentary SSSBA workshops advance bridge construction practices with innovative techniques and collaborative learning – schedule yours today!

Acrow Bridge Alabama DOT

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.

NCSPA Contech Buried Steel Bridge Logan County

Buried Steel Bridge Saves Ohio County $17,000

Logan County, Ohio, self-installed a buried steel bridge from SSSBA member Contech, saving over $17,000 compared to other options.

Press Brake Tub Girder Bridge

Infrastructure Week 2024 Recording: Preservation of Steel Bridges

In this webinar recording, industry experts discuss the most effective methods to preserve steel bridges.

FHWA Releases Data Collection Document on Weathering Steel Performance

This document details a study conducted with the FHWA Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Program that considers longer term performance of UWS structures.

MSC Rapid Response

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)

NCSPA Safety Awards 2024

NCSPA Announces 2024 Annual Safety Award Winners

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association presented 48 plants with safety awards – including SSSBA members Contech, TrueNorth Steel and Lane Enterprises.

Acrow Temporary Bridge

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.

American galvanizers association excellence awards

2024 Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards Feature SSSBA Member Projects

Presented annually, the Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards honors the finest achievements in using hot-dip galvanizing in an ideal, creative, innovative or monumental fashion.

National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association Logo

NCSPA Announces 2024 Project of the Year Winners

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association announced the 2024 project of the year winners, including three members of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance.

PBFTG Whiteside County

Whiteside County (IL) Uses FHWA Funds for Accelerated Steel Bridge Project

Russ Renner, a Whiteside County Engineer, saved up to 12 weeks of lane closures by installing a steel bridge for the crossing.

Acrow Bridge Project New Jersey

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.

WV Bridge Workshop 2024

SSSBA and WV LTAP Team Up for Steel Bridge Workshop

The SSSBA and WVDOH collaborated on a bridge workshop to discuss the design of steel bridges with cost-effective, time-saving options for states and counties.

Railroad Corrugated Pipe Project

Corrugated Steel Pipe Safeguards Rail System from Excessive Storm Water

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) spotlights a project that used corrugated steel pipe to provide a storm water solution in only 8 hours.

Galvanized Beams

“Crafting a Coat” – Modern Steel Construction

Zinc Coating Life Predictor (ZCLP), was recently refined and made available by the American Galvanizers Association.

Acrow modular steel bridge

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.

New Resiliency Video Compares Corrugated Steel Pipe to Other Materials

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) launched a new video focused on the resiliency of corrugated steel pipe – commonly used in buried steel bridges.

NSBA Navigating Routine Steel Bridge Design

NSBA Posts Updated Guide to Navigating Routine Steel Bridge Design

This updated free guide from NSBA walks engineers through the design process, focusing on the specific provisions of the AASHTO specifications that apply to routine bridges.

steel truss bridge

FHWA Seeks Bridge Grant Applications

The Federal Highway Administration issued a notice of funding opportunity for Bridge Project and Planning grants.

3D printed bridge

Testing of 3-D Metal Bridges: What Did We Learn?

Bridge testing data was recently taken and assessed from the world’s first 3-D printed metal bridge. Did it perform similar to the commonly manufactured metal bridges?

Rail Bridge

Funding On Its Way for Rail Bridges

The Biden administration announced $16.4 billion for rail projects along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor as part of the overall investments in infrastructure.

Acrow Bridge Temporary steel

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.

Steel Bridge Webinar Series

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.

Valmont Press Brake Formed Tub Girder Steel

“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.

Roads

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.

Barron County Steel Bridge Workshop

SSSBA and Barron County Team Up for Steel Bridge Workshop

The SSSBA and Barron County, WI collaborated on a bridge workshop to discuss the replacement of aging bridges with cost-effective, time-saving steel options for state and county bridges.

Press Brake Formed Tub Girders Valmont TDOT

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.

NCSPA Sustainability steel bridges

New Sustainability Video Compares Corrugated Steel Pipe to Other Materials

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) launched a new video focused on the sustainability of corrugated steel pipe – commonly used in buried steel bridges.

press brake tub girder barron county

Barron County Installs Wisconsin’s First Steel Press-Brake Formed Tub Girder Bridge

Mark Servi, Barron County Highway Department, provided leadership for the construction of Wisconsin’s first press-brake tub girder steel bridge.

High Steel Structures Bridge

Steel Industry Accelerates Rebuild of I-95 Bridge Project

Cleveland Cliffs is providing steel to High Steel Structures for the accelerated permanent reconstruction of a bridge section of I-95 in Philadelphia that collapsed in June.

Buffalo Creek Bridge Iowa Galvanized

Iowa County Uses Galvanized Steel for ‘Long Lasting’ Bridge Project

Watch an interview with county engineer Brian Keierleber regarding the Buffalo Creek Bridge project in Buchanan County, Iowa.

Hot Dip Galvanizing Spec

AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration Releases Galvanizing Guide Specification

The AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration released the new Hot-Dip Galvanizing Specification, providing information on a corrosion protection systems for steel bridges and other highway structures.

polymer coated buried steel bridge

Union Pacific Bridge Replacement Wins NCSPA Project of the Year Award

A timber trestle Union Pacific Bridge was rehabilitated using polymer-coated structural plate pipe without disrupting rail operations.

Acrow Temporary Solution in Texas

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.

West Virginia Bridge Standards Steel

West Virginia DOT Publishes Standard Bridge Plans for Short Span Bridges

The SSSBA Bridge Technology Center worked with the West Virginia Department of Transportation to developed standard bridges plans for composite rolled beam and plate girders.

buried steel bridge

Connecticut DOT Buried Steel Bridge Wins NCSPA Project of the Year Award

The Yellow Mill Bridge project had specific needs that had to be met – a custom steel buried bridge provided by Contech Engineered Solutions met all of them.

Smart Design and Maintenance Key to Weathering Steel Bridges

New research from the University of Delaware offers information on how to detail and maintain weathering steel bridges to maximize their service lives.

Acrow Bridge in Covered Bridge Canada - cropped

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.

U.S. Bridge Showman Arch Bridge

Suspended Steel Truss Bridge Connects Continents, Generations

U.S. Bridge designed and erected a steel truss bridge, over a historic 190-year old existing structure, to allow traffic to use a key connector in Ohio.

NCSPA Project of the Year

NCSPA Announces Project of the Year Winners

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association announced the 2023 project of the year winners, including three members of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance.

American galvanizers association excellence awards

Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards Feature SSSBA Member Projects

Presented annually, the Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards honors the finest achievements in the use of hot-dip galvanizing in an ideal, creative, innovative or monumental fashion.

NCSPA Announces 36th Annual Safety Award Winners

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association presented 46 plants with safety awards – including SSSBA members Contech and TrueNorth Steel.

Buried Steel Bridge Mike's Creek

Steel Pipe Arch Bridge Restores Roadway After Peak Storm

After storms washed out a North Dakota access road, a corrugated steel pipe arch bridge was quickly installed to mitigate the problem.

Single Coat Inorganic Zinc Protection for Steel Bridges(1)

NSBA Releases Single Coat Inorganic Zinc Report

In a new report from the National Steel Bridge Alliance, learn about existing bridges coated with SIOZ and how they fare in inspection after decades of service.

Galvanized Statue

Top 3 Reasons to Fall in Love With Hot-Dip Galvanizing

The American Galvanizers Association summarized the top three reasons for the growth of hot-dip galvanized steel.

Design Standards

SSSBA Provides Bridge Owners With Complimentary Design Details

The complimentary service allows for the production of standard rolled beam and plate girder designs for highway bridge applications.

Iowa County Buried Steel Bridge

County-Built Steel Plate Arch Bridge Turns 82

Built in 1941 by the Union County (Iowa) county crew, a 30 foot structural steel plate arch bridge is still performing well after 82 years.

AGA Provides Tools and Resources to Inspect Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel

The American Galvanizers Association has created tools and resources to aid in the inspection of hot-dip galvanized steel.

NSBA Uncoated Weathering Steel Guide

NSBA Uncoated Weathering Steel Guide

Download the guide to learn about site and location considerations, design recommendations, structural design, detailing, maintenance, and more!

FHWA Releases Orthotropic Steel Deck Guide

The guide simplifies the level of complexity to design, fabricate, and construct OSD bridges through Level 1 design.

Steel press brake tub girders testing research

Steel Tub Girder High-Cycle Fatigue Testing Underway at West Virginia University

Galvanized steel press-brake steel tub girder sections arrived at West Virginia University for high-cycle fatigue testing.

Quality Bridge

Historic Steel Truss Bridge Rehabilitated, Placed Back In Service

Quality Bridge & Fab, Inc. fabricated the steel to rehabilitate a historic 146 year old bowstring truss bridge in Pennsylvania.

National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association Logo

NCSPA Establishes Student Scholarship Opportunities

The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association establishes three new student scholarship opportunities for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance RFP Dual Grade Stainless Bridge

Proposals Requested for Hybrid Steel Plate Girder Pooled Fund Study

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is requesting proposals to investigated dual grade/hybrid steel plate girders utilizing stainless steel.

Jennifer McConnell Wins T.R. Higgins Lectureship Award

Jennifer McConnell Wins T.R. Higgins Lectureship Award

Dr. McConnell, University of Delaware, has conducted groundbreaking research into the performance of uncoated weathering steel in bridges.

press brake tub girder crane

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.

Delta County Colorado Temporary Steel Bridge Acrow

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.

Skewed press brake steel tub Girders

Steel Tub Girder Research Underway to Evaluate Compactness Designation of Skewed Box Sections

It is anticipated that the research may produce AASHTO code revisions in both AASHTO Chapter 4 and AASHTO Chapter 6.

Miami County Truss Bridge

Steel Truss Bridge Preserves Crossing for Miami County

U.S. Bridge answered the call with a steel truss bridge when Miami County, Ohio required a replacement structure that would limit the impact to the surrounding property.

Press Brake Tub Girder Peoria Illinois

Guy Nelson Provides Insight on Steel Press-Brake Tub Girders

Guy Nelson, Product Development Director – Valmont Structures, provides insight into the fabrication and installation of press-brake tub girders, including details of a recent installation in Peoria, IL.

Press Brake Tub Girder Peoria Illinois

Peoria County Looks to Steel for Innovative Bridge Replacement Project

Jeff Gilles, Peoria County Assistant Engineer, discusses the new Evans Mill Road Bridge featuring the use of steel press-brake tub girders.

Modern Corrosion Protection Systems - SSSBA Website

Modern Corrosion Protection Systems

Presentations from a five-part webinar series covering topics essential to the design and installation of steel bridges are now available on-demand.

Mason County Buried Bridge - Homer Adams

Mason County (WA) Installs Buried Steel Bridge With Local Crews, Saves Money

Mason County (WA) provided cost savings to their residents by installing a Contech 30′ 8″ span x 9′ 8″ rise deep corrugated steel box culvert bridge with their local road crew.

NCSPA Metal Culverts

Steel Culvert Saves Minnesota County Time and $15,000 Over Concrete Options

Olmsted County needed a cost-effective solution to quickly replace a concrete structure before it collapsed – steel saved $15,000 and took less than 2 days to install.

Acrow Bridge - Alps Italy

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.

Joel Hahm ASTM Award

ASTM International Honors Joel Hahm with Distinguished Service Award

Joel Hahm, Contech Engineered Solutions, was recognized for his exemplary contributions to the success of committee A05 and industry-leading expertise on buried bridges.