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.

Read the full ARTBA article. 

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