Short Span Steel Bridges 
Strong Start to 2025 Signals Growth in Bridge Construction
May 8, 2025 – the following information was provided by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).
The outlook for bridge and highway construction continues to strengthen, according to new data from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).
State and local governments awarded $33.5 billion in highway and bridge contracts through March 2025, marking an 11.7% increase over the $30 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.
Implications for Bridge Construction
Contract awards serve as a key leading indicator of construction activity. Projects funded through these awards typically break ground within 30 to 60 days, with major projects often extending over multiple years. This upward trend signals robust investment across the transportation sector and strong momentum in infrastructure development nationwide.
For the short span steel bridge industry, this increase reflects significant opportunities for accelerated project delivery, cost-effective solutions and sustainable construction—areas where steel bridges have long demonstrated value.
State Highlights
In March alone, 33 states increased their highway and bridge contract values compared to March 2024. The states leading the way in total contract value include:
- Texas
- California
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Illinois
These trends suggest a broad national commitment to addressing transportation needs and aging infrastructure. With ongoing support from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the volume of bridge work is expected to remain elevated.
Steel Solutions Positioned to Meet Growing Demand
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) recognizes that the sustained increase in contract awards reflects growing national momentum to modernize and replace critical infrastructure. As states and localities prepare to deliver projects funded through these awards, SSSBA underscores the advantages of short span steel bridges in meeting aggressive timelines, budget requirements and long-term performance goals.
The SSSBA continues to support state DOTs, counties and designers by offering practical design resources, including the free design tools, educational programs and project assistance for local bridge design and construction. These resources help accelerate project delivery while promoting resilient, sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
With continued investment in transportation infrastructure, SSSBA stands ready to assist stakeholders in delivering safe, durable, and innovative steel bridge projects nationwide.
For more information or to schedule a workshop or webinar, contact:
- Dan Snyder (Director of the SSSBA) at dsnyder@steel.org or 301-367-6179.
- Michael Barker (University of Wyoming & SSSBA Director of Education) at barker@uwyo.edu
News
Missouri Steel Bridge Bundle Project Wins Prize Bridge Award
The National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) named Missouri’s FARM Bridges Design/Build Bundle the 2026 Prize Bridge Award winner in the Short Span category. Fabricated by SSSBA member DeLong’s, the project delivered 31 rural bridges across 15 counties using galvanized steel and SDCL design for a 100-year service life.
Design
NSBA Releases Updated Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01
NSBA’s Bolted Splice Spreadsheet 4.01 streamlines connection design with expanded options and updated AASHTO LRFD provisions for faster, more economical solutions.
News
ARTBA Reports $15 Billion Committed Through Bridge Formula Program as Needs Remain
According to an ARTBA analysis, states have committed $15 billion through the bridge formula program, yet one in three bridges still needs work.