Short Span Steel Bridges 
SSSBA Semi-Annual Meeting in Omaha Highlights Innovation and Industry Collaboration
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) held its Semi-Annual Membership Meeting on October 12–14, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. The three-day event brought together steel bridge industry leaders, engineers, researchers, fabricators, suppliers and partner organizations to discuss industry developments, emerging technologies and opportunities to expand the use of short span steel bridges.
Chaired by Myrissa Welch of SSAB, the meeting was held in conjunction with the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) Executive Committee and Board meeting.
Myrissa Welch of SSAB Americas and Chair of the SSSBA provides an update on steel industry trends, market conditions and recent developments during the SSSBA Semi-Annual Meeting in Omaha.
Advancing Steel Bridge Research and Innovation
The SSSBA Technical Council and Marketing and Education Council met to review ongoing activities, share industry developments and discuss priorities for the coming year.
Meeting highlights included:
- Steel Bridge Design Tools: Updates on SSSBA’s eSPAN140 and recently released ePLATE140 design tools, along with discussions on emerging technologies.
- Research and Innovation: Ongoing initiatives focused on improving steel bridge design, construction efficiency and long-term performance.
- Bridge Maintenance and Preservation: Educational efforts to help bridge owners better understand steel bridge inspection, maintenance and service life.
- Marketing and Education: Outreach programs and resources to promote the benefits of steel bridges to engineers, transportation agencies and bridge owners.
- Industry Collaboration: Updates from SSSBA member organizations on new products, projects and industry developments.
These activities reflect SSSBA’s continued commitment to providing practical resources, advancing steel bridge technology and expanding opportunities for steel in transportation infrastructure.
Melissa Lindsley of the American Galvanizers Association discusses hot-dip galvanizing, industry trends and opportunities to advance steel bridge construction during the SSSBA Semi-Annual Meeting in Omaha.
Kevan Stone, Executive Director of NACE, discusses the importance of federal advocacy in supporting county transportation infrastructure.
Industry Updates and Partner Collaboration
The SSSBA General Session featured presentations on steel industry trends, market conditions and activities of key partner organizations, including the National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association, National Steel Bridge Alliance, International Zinc Association and American Galvanizers Association.
The presentations highlighted the importance of industry collaboration in advancing innovative steel infrastructure solutions and strengthening educational efforts.
SSSBA meeting attendees visit the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which connects Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, following a presentation by the City of Omaha.
Facility Tour and Omaha Bridge Visit
The meeting began with a tour of the Valmont Galvanizing facility in Valley, Nebraska, where attendees learned about hot-dip galvanizing operations and corrosion protection for steel infrastructure.
Later in the week, Derek Miller of the City of Omaha provided an overview of the planning and community benefits of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, followed by a walking tour of the landmark pedestrian crossing connecting Nebraska and Iowa.
These activities offered attendees opportunities to see infrastructure applications firsthand and learn more about the role of bridges in connecting communities.
SSSBA members tour the Valmont Galvanizing facility in Valley, Nebraska, learning about hot-dip galvanizing operations and corrosion protection for steel bridges and infrastructure.
Strengthening the Partnership with County Engineers
A highlight of the meeting was the opportunity for SSSBA members and NACE leadership to connect through joint events and networking activities.
Joint networking events, including receptions, dinner and a golf outing, provided additional opportunities for SSSBA members and county engineers to exchange ideas on how to improve our nations infrastructure.
Participants enjoy a golf outing in Omaha as part of the SSSBA Semi-Annual Meeting activities.
SSSBA members gather for an evening reception.
SSSBA recognizes the generous support of its Diamond, Gold and Silver sponsors.
Thank You to Our Meeting Sponsors
SSSBA extends a special thank you to the following organizations for their generous sponsorship of the Omaha meeting. Their support helped make the joint receptions, dinner and networking opportunities possible, bringing together steel bridge industry leaders and county engineers to strengthen relationships and encourage collaboration.
Diamond Sponsors
- Acrow
- American Galvanizers Association
- AZZ Metal Coatings
- Cleveland-Cliffs
- Fought & Company
- National Steel Bridge Alliance
- SSAB Americas
- STS Steel
- V&S Galvanizing
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Next SSSBA Meeting
The next SSSBA Semi-Annual Membership Meeting will take place on March 17, 2027, at the American Iron and Steel Institute headquarters in Washington, D.C.
For additional information about SSSBA activities or membership opportunities, contact Dan Snyder, SSSBA Director, at dsnyder@steel.org.
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
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