Many of the United States' substandard bridges are short span bridges, falling within the 20’ to 120’ span range. Virtually every one of them could be replaced with durable, sustainable, economical steel. By utilizing new modular systems, a steel bridge can now be installed in less than 48 hours.

Bridge engineers are always concerned with finding the most cost-effective bridge solutions. However, the time and funding available for comparing alternatives are often limited, particularly for short span bridges. To address these needs, SMDI has developed short span bridge design aids, guidelines, and educational seminars to help bridge owners, engineers and designers choose the best material for the job.

For more information on SMDI's short span steel bridge program, contact Dan Snyder.

Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance
The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance is a group of bridge and culvert industry leaders, including manufacturers, fabricators and representatives of related associations and government organizations, who have joined together to increase awareness of the unique benefits, cost-competitiveness and safety facts related to the use of short span steel bridges in installations up to 140 feet in length.

Newly developed steel grades with higher yield strength, better toughness and improved weldability offer significant benefits in weight savings and fabrication cost reductions in the design of short span bridges. Steel offers solutions for all types of crossings. Short span steel bridges can be built quickly using local crews, and many can be designed using prefabricated components which are simple to install and offer considerable cost savings. Fast. Flexible. Simple. Cost-Effective. That's the steel advantage.

For more information, visit the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance at www.ShortSpanSteelBridges.org.