U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy Highlights Infrastructure Vision at AASHTO Briefing

The following information was provided by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

On February 6, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy delivered the keynote address at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Washington Briefing, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to infrastructure investment, permitting reform and innovation in transportation.

The  Briefing provides an opportunity for participants to collaborate with leaders of state departments of transportation (DOTs) and industry executives on pressing policy matters.

Commitment to Modernizing Transportation

Duffy highlighted President Trump’s commitment to modernizing transportation. “He wants me to help you build more, build faster, build better, and probably more beautifully as well,” Duffy noted. “So that is the mission we want and we’ve got to partner together to figure that out. So I do want to build more but I want to build more with less money and I want us to build in a shorter period of time.”

Streamlining Project Approvals and Encouraging Innovation

He stressed the need to streamline project approvals.

“We’re going to streamline the paperwork; we want to reform the requirements around the permitting process. That does not mean we shouldn’t do environmental studies,” Duffy added. “That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t go through a permitting process. But it can’t take as long as it’s taking right now. And so I think there’s a real appetite on the Hill to help us streamline this permitting process to move our projects far more quickly.”

Duffy called for aggressive reform and innovation.

“I want fast change that’s going to transform the way we do business. I want to use more private capital. I want more technology and I want more innovation in your space,” Duffy said. “I’m going to reward the innovators who create and find ways to better build and more effectively build the projects that you guys care so much about. And for those who innovate and are creative, I’m going to give you more freedom and I’m going to give you more money to do your projects.”

Greater State Autonomy and Collaborative Solutions

He also signaled greater state autonomy.

“We should rethink the way we’re doing business together by giving you all a lot more autonomy, a lot more authority, a lot more freedom to do the projects that you know are important in your communities,” Duffy said.

“That’s going to take a dialog. But I think, in this room, you have some of the best ideas and the most creative ideas,” he added. “And we need those great ideas that all of you have in this room to make sure we accomplish the goal of, again, building big, beautiful projects that connect the country.”

For more information, visit AASHTO Journal.

SSSBA’s Role in Advancing Infrastructure Priorities

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is well-positioned to support many of the priorities outlined by Secretary Duffy. By providing innovative, cost-effective solutions for bridge construction, SSSBA helps agencies and communities build more efficiently while maintaining high standards of durability and sustainability.

• Accelerating Project Timelines – eSPAN140 provides rapid, customized designs, reducing the time required for project planning and permitting.
• Enhancing Cost Efficiency – Steel bridges offer long-term cost savings due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and speed of installation. For example, press-brake tub girder (PBTG) bridges can be constructed in a single day! Buried steel bridges can also be installed quickly, often using local crews, without disruption.
• Advancing Innovation – SSSBA collaborates with engineers, manufacturers, and researchers to develop cutting-edge materials, construction techniques, and accelerated bridge construction methods. Learn more about the SSSBA research projects.
• Supporting Permitting Reform – By offering standardized design solutions and technical expertise, SSSBA helps agencies navigate permitting and approval processes more efficiently.
• Expanding Public-Private Partnerships – SSSBA works closely with state DOTs, local counties, and industry leaders to implement best practices and innovative solutions in bridge construction.
• Promoting Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure – Steel bridges provide reliable, long-lasting solutions that support the nation’s growing infrastructure needs while incorporating sustainable practices.

By fostering collaboration and providing technical expertise, SSSBA ensures that infrastructure investment leads to long-term, cost-effective solutions that benefit communities nationwide.

For more information, please explore the SSSBA website or contact Dan Snyder at dsnyder@steel.org