Short Span Steel Bridges 
SSSBA Holds Semiannual Meeting in New Orleans
Last week, the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) held its semiannual meeting in New Orleans, LA.
Over 40 members of the SSSBA attended the 2-day meeting, including county engineers and representatives from the National Association of County Engineers.
Throughout the week, steel bridge stakeholders from around the country came together to focus on key areas related to short span steel bridges including innovation, standardization, education and market development.
Brian Keierleber, Buchanan County, Iowa presenting on Innovative Bridge Deck Solutions during the SSSBA Innovation Council Meeting.
2-Days of Technical, Marketing and Industry Focused Events
The meeting kicked off Monday afternoon with a distinguished lineup of speakers and topics for the Innovation and Technical Standards Council sessions that included:
- Bridge Deck Innovations
- Brian Keierleber, Buchanan County, Iowa
- Autauga County, Alabama Bridge Program
- John Mark Davis, Autauga County, Alabama
- Woodbury County, Iowa Bridge Program
- Mark Nahra, Woodbury County, Iowa
- Bridge Innovation Forum
- Detailed PBFTG Design w/Case Study
- Guy Nelson, Valmont
- Short Span Railroad Bridge Initiative
- Tony Peterson, National Steel Bridge Alliance
On Tuesday, the schedule featured SSSBA’s Communications Council, Marketing and Education Council and the SSSBA General Meeting, which included another round of noteworthy presenters and information:
- Artificial Intelligence in the Construction Industry
- Joshua Quinter, Offit-Kurman Attorneys at Law
- Analyzing Structure Fire Response for a Tunnel-Type Application/TRB Update
- Joel Hahm, Contech Engineered Solutions
- Construction Market Outlook
- Jay Bowman, FMI Consulting
- National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association Update
- Michael McGough, Executive Director, NCSPA
- National Association of County Engineers (NACE) and Legislative/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Update
- Kevan Stone, Executive Director, NACE
The feedback received was positive. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn from real-world examples provided by industry experts on the advantages steel bridges present to the transportation industry.
Big thank you to the SSSBA members that sponsored Monday’s networking event at the National World War II Museum
Networking Event Sponsors
A big thank you to the following companies who sponsored Monday’s networking event at the SSSBA meetings:
Diamond Sponsors
- Acrow (website)
- Sherwin Williams (website)
- High Steel Structures (website)
- National Steel Bridge Alliance (website)
- V&S Galvanizing (website)
- ArcelorMittal (website)
- Cleveland-Cliffs (website)
- SSAB Americas (website)
Gold Sponsors
- St. Louis Bolt and Screw (website)
- Contech Engineered Solutions (website)
- Premier Steel (website)
- South Atlantic LLC (website)
- American Galvanizers Association (website)
Silver Sponsor
Also, a BIG THANK YOU to our co-sponsors for agreeing to sponsor the ENTIRE HAPPY HOUR on January 23rd at Acme Oyster House
SSSBA members and guests at the networking event in New Orleans, LA.
Next Meeting will be in September 2024
The next SSSBA Semiannual meeting will be held in September 2024. The meeting location will be made available to our members soon.
If you would like more information on this event or to become a member of the SSSBA, please contact Dan Snyder at dsnyder@steel.org or complete an online membership application.
-
Free 4-Part Quarterly Webinar Series: Steel Bridge Playbook (Next Webinar, Dec. 10)
This free, four-part quarterly webinar series delivers expert insights on steel bridge design, preservation, and innovation. Explore essential design resources, corrosion protection through galvanizing, accelerated construction methods, and real-world case studies to gain practical guidance for every steel bridge project. Sponsored by SSSBA and AGA. This course is accredited by AIA and RCEP to provide 1.0 LU/PDH (HSW Hours).
-
Free 6-Part Live Lecture Series: Steel Bridge Design — From Concept to Delivery (Starts Sept. 7)
SSSBA and the University of Wyoming are offering a free six-part lecture series, September 7–23. The series covers key aspects of steel bridge design, fabrication and construction, with live and recorded participation available.
-
Free Webinar: Galvanize It! Core Webinar (Aug. 26)
SSSBA member American Galvanizers Association’s Core Galvanize It! webinar provides an introduction to hot-dip galvanizing, covering the galvanizing process, zinc coatings, and key benefits such as corrosion resistance, durability, longevity, sustainability and life-cycle cost. The seminar is AIA and RCEP accredited for 1.0 LU/PDH.
-
Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance Semi-Annual Meeting (Oct. 12-14, 2026 – Omaha, NE)
SSSBA members are invited to attend the next Semi-Annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska to discuss the latest research, technical advancements and educational initiatives in steel bridge design and construction. This meeting will be co-located with the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) Executive Committee and Board meetings.
-
Events
Free 6-Part Live Lecture Series: Steel Bridge Design — From Concept to Delivery (Starts Sept. 7)
SSSBA and the University of Wyoming are offering a free six-part lecture series, September 7–23. The series covers key aspects of steel bridge design, fabrication and construction, with live and recorded participation available.
Design
NSBA Releases Guide to Steel Highway Grade Separation Bridges
NSBA has released the new Guide to Steel Highway Grade Separation Bridges, a comprehensive industry resource designed to support the planning, design and construction of steel highway overpass structures.
News
SSSBA to Present at 2026 CEAO Ohio Bridge Conference in Columbus, OH (Aug.11)
SSSBA will be featured at the 2026 County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO) Bridge Conference on August 11 in Columbus, Ohio. The session will introduce free design tools that help engineers develop efficient, economical short span steel bridge solutions.