Short Span Steel Bridges 
SSSBA to Present at 2026 Purdue Road School in West Lafayette, IN (March 17)
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) will be featured at the 2026 Purdue Road School on March 17–18, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Hosted by Purdue University’s Joint Transportation Research Program, the event brings together transportation professionals from government, industry and academia to share knowledge and discuss the latest advancements in transportation.
SSSBA Presentation Details
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | 11:00–11:50 AM
Session: Bridges
Location: STEW 214 AB, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Presenters:
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Michael Barker, SSSBA Director of Education and Professor, University of Wyoming
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Eric Coburn, Vice President, Beaty Construction
Topic: Simplifying Short Span Steel Bridge Design and Construction
This session will introduce free design tools that streamline the design and construction of economical short span steel bridges. Built on AASHTO specifications, these “off-the-shelf” resources enable engineers, owners, and contractors to develop efficient solutions using standard steel details.
The session will also feature a contractor’s perspective on simplifying fabrication and construction, improving project efficiency, reducing costs and accelerating bridge delivery.
View the complete technical program agenda.
Why Attend the Session
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Explore practical, free design tools for short span steel bridges
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Learn how to optimize bridge construction using standard steel details
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Hear insights from both engineering and contractor perspectives
For more information about the 2026 Purdue Road School, visit roadschool.purdue.edu.
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
The Steel Bridge Task Force honored Thomas P. Murphy of Modjeski and Masters with the 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award during its September 28 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. The award recognizes Murphy’s outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing steel bridge design, research and AASHTO specifications.