SSSBA Semi-Annual Meeting Brings Industry Leaders to Indianapolis

Image: Members of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance in Indianapolis, IN. 

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) held its Semi-Annual membership meeting on September 22-23, 2025, in downtown Indianapolis. The event united bridge and buried soil steel structure experts to explore research, technical innovations and educational initiatives for short span steel bridges up to 140 feet in length.

This year’s meeting was co-located with the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) Executive Committee and Board meeting, providing a unique opportunity for collaboration. County engineers manage nearly half of the nation’s roads and 40% of its bridges, making their partnership crucial for advancing steel bridge solutions nationwide.

Agenda Highlights and Knowledge Sharing

The meeting featured council discussions, technical presentations and networking events over two days:

• Technical Council Sessions: Michael Barker (University of Wyoming) presented updates on eSPAN140 future needs and the eBEAM140 simple span bridge design tool, followed by sessions on press-brake formed tub girders (Kay Jimison & Guy Nelson, Valmont) and county steel bridge projects (Andrew McGuire, IA & Luke McGinty, AL). Members also discussed gaps in design guidelines and efficiency of steel plate girders.

Andrew McGuire, Keokuk County (Iowa), presents during the County Steel Bridge Project Roundtable session.

Luke McGinty, Elmore County (Alabama), presents during the County Steel Bridge Project Roundtable session.

• Marketing & Education Council Sessions: Dan Snyder (AISI) and Michael Barker shared progress on professional education, university lecture series, case studies, digital marketing and SSSBA’s strategic marketing partnership program. Members reviewed competitive materials, contractor perspectives (Bobby Steele, E&B Paving), and innovative uses of galvanized rebar (Carl Maki, South Atlantic Reinforcing Products). Updates were provided by partner associations including AGA, NCSPA, and NSBA.

Michael Barker, University of Wyoming and SSSBA director of education, shares progress on the professional education and university lecture series.

Bobby Steele, E&B Paving, offers a contractor’s perspective on short span steel bridges.

• Keynote Presentations: Ronnie Medlock (High Steel Structures) delivered the AISC T.R. Higgins Lecture on achieving excellence in fabricated structural steel. Stephanie Wagner (Indiana DOT) and Tom Bieneman (HNTB) highlighted short span steel bridge projects in Indiana, while Kevan Stone (NACE) provided a legislative update relevant to county bridge programs.

Ronnie Medlock, High Steel Structures, delivers the AISC T.R. Higgins Lecture on achieving excellence in fabricated structural steel.

Kevan Stone, National Association of County Engineers, provides a legislative update relevant to county bridge programs.

• Networking Opportunities: The meeting included receptions, lunches and dinners designed to foster collaboration between SSSBA and NACE members, along with a golf outing and Purdue research lab tour in Lafayette, IN.

This year’s meeting was co-located with the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) Executive Committee and Board meeting, providing a unique opportunity for collaboration.

Spotlight on Industry Collaboration

The Semi-Annual meeting showcased the value of combining technical insight with practical field experience. Speakers from steel manufacturers, contractors, county governments, and research institutions shared perspectives that are shaping the future of short span steel bridges.

Meeting Sponsors

SSSBA thanks the companies supporting the event:

• Diamond Sponsors: Acrow Corporation of America, American Galvanizers Association, AZZ Metal Coatings, High Steel Structures, STS Steel Inc., V&S Galvanizing, Valmont Coatings, Valmont Structures

• Gold Sponsors: Central Steel Services, South Atlantic Galvanizing

• Silver Sponsors: Contech Engineers Solutions, International Zinc Association, National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association, Quality Bridge & Fab, Inc., Sherwin-Williams Company, Wheeler

A big thank you to the sponsors of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance meeting!

Next Meeting

Mark your calendars: the next SSSBA meeting will take place in Washington, D.C., on March 5, 2026.

Additional information will be made available to the 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.