Strong Start for 2025: Highway and Bridge Contracts Surge 18% to $22.2B

The following information was provided by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

New data released by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) shows a strong start to 2025 for the transportation construction sector. State and local governments awarded $22.2 billion in highway and bridge contracts through February 2025—a significant increase from $18.8 billion during the same period in 2024.

While contract award activity in the first quarter can vary widely due to seasonal weather conditions and state-specific transportation program timelines, the data points to broad momentum across the country. In February 2025 alone, 30 states reported year-over-year increases in the value of awarded contracts.

Key Highlights:

• February 2025 Leaders: Florida, California, Texas, New Jersey, and North Carolina reported the highest value of awards for the month.

• Top Markets in 2024: The leading states for total contract awards last year included Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Illinois.

Why It Matters: Contract awards serve as a leading indicator of upcoming construction activity. Projects typically break ground within 30 to 60 days of being awarded, with many extending over multiple years depending on their size and complexity. The growth in awards suggests a healthy pipeline of infrastructure investment, reinforcing long-term opportunities for contractors, engineers, and materials suppliers across the U.S.

As state and local agencies continue to deploy transportation funds, stakeholders throughout the construction value chain should be prepared for continued demand and shifting regional priorities.

Read the full ARTBA article. 

Building the Future: The Benefits of Short Span Steel Bridges

As states and local governments ramp up their infrastructure investment, the demand for efficient and durable bridge solutions will continue to rise—especially for short span bridges.

Steel is increasingly being recognized as the material of choice for these structures due to its strength, durability, and ability to support rapid construction timelines.

Steel bridge solutions offer significant benefits in terms of cost savings, construction speed, and long-term performance. Steel bridge solutions are ideal for both urban and rural areas where infrastructure needs are diverse, and quick, reliable installation is a priority.

Additionally, advances in technology, such as design tools like eSPAN140, are making it easier for engineers to design, fabricate and installl short span steel bridges, helping to streamline the process and reduce project timelines.

As more states and counties move forward with bridge replacements and upgrades, short span steel bridges will continue to play a pivotal role in meeting the country’s growing infrastructure needs.