Short Span Steel Bridges 
USDOT Makes $626M Available for Infrastructure Projects
The follow was provided by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a $626.7 million investment into America’s infrastructure.
“From our thriving commercial space industry to our hardworking truck drivers, the Trump Administration is delivering for the American people. We are moving at the Speed of Trump to prioritize critical infrastructure needs in grants, move federal dollars out the door, and start turning dirt,” said Duffy.
Duffy noted in a statement that this funding is offered through the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects or INFRA grant program and has been divided into two targeted tracks:
- Track 1, worth $426.7 million, will support surface transportation projects of national and regional significance. Applications for funding from Track 1 are due by July 1.
- Track 2 – worth $200 million – will focus on expanding commercial motor vehicle parking for truck and bus drivers. Applications for Track 2 funding are due by July 15.
Other types of infrastructure projects covered by this federal funding opportunity include:
- Upgrading safety technology at railroad crossings.
- Repairing highways or bridges to reduce traffic congestion and freight bottlenecks.
- Strengthening U.S. marine highways to diversify the nation’s domestic supply chain transport network.
- Modernizing key highway infrastructure along the country’s busiest freight corridors.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the application criteria, and applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects as soon as possible.
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.