Short Span Steel Bridges 
WV DOT Completes Fast-Track Bridge Project with Steel
June 11, 2026Image Credit: West Virginia Department of Transportation
A bridge near the Kanawha State Forest campground in Kanawha County, West Virginia was recently reopened following an accelerated replacement project that utilized salvaged steel beams from a nearby transportation project, demonstrating the practical benefits of steel reuse in bridge construction.
Project Overview
A 20-foot span serving access to the Kanawha State Forest campground was reopened following a short-term closure that began May 15, according to WCHS-TV (wchstv.com) and the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV DOT). The bridge was returned to service after crews completed a rapid replacement effort.
Steel Reuse Strategy
A key feature of the project was the reuse of structural steel salvaged from the Montrose Drive Overpass Bridge project in South Charleston. Rather than fabricating and delivering new beams, WV DOT repurposed existing steel elements that were available from a completed project.
The construction approach included:
- Removal of the existing bridge deck
- Installation of salvaged steel support beams from the Montrose Drive Overpass project
- Placement of reinforcing steel
- Construction of a new concrete bridge deck
WV DOT noted that the salvaged beams were in good condition and suitable for reuse in the replacement structure.
Project Outcomes
According to WV DOT, the use of recycled materials helped reduce costs and expedited the construction schedule, allowing the bridge to reopen shortly after work began. The project restored access to the Kanawha State Forest campground area following the brief closure period.
Implications for Steel Bridge Construction
This project illustrates how steel bridge components can be effectively reused as an alternative to improve resource efficiency in transportation projects. The ability to repurpose steel from one project to another highlights a practical advantage of steel in bridge applications, particularly for agencies seeking efficient use of existing materials.
View additional images for the project from the West Virginia Department of Transportation:
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.
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