The newly built short span steel bridge on V-65 south of Jesup, Iowa was the focus of government and transportation officials and the reason for a luncheon celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 1, 2013. The Jesup South Bridge is a demonstration bridge designed with eSPAN140 — a free, innovative, web-based bridge design tool that was developed by members of the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA). eSPAN140 provides customized, cost-effective and time-saving design solutions for steel bridge installations up to 140 feet in length in three steps in less than five minutes.

Buchanan County Engineer Brian P. Keierleber, P.E. was the Demonstration Bridge Project Coordinator who oversaw all aspects of the demolition of the previous bridge and the construction and installation of the new bridge. The previous bridge was built in 1947, was 22 feet wide, and had a sufficiency rating of less than 50, making it a prime candidate for replacement on one of the busiest roads in Buchanan County. The new bridge is 40 feet wide with galvanized steel beams and galvanized rebar. The materials were donated by SSSBA members, and construction began in late August.

Iowa State Senator Brian Schoenjahn, Jesup Mayor Dick Quackenbush, and other dignitaries presented remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Click here to see the new Jesup South Bridge via live webcam.

The SSSBA provides essential information to bridge owners and designers on the unique benefits, innovative designs, cost competitiveness, and performance related to using steel in short span installations up to 140 feet in length. SSSBA partners comprise bridge and buried soil steel structure industry leaders, including manufacturers, fabricators and representatives of related associations and government organizations. For more news or information, visit www.shortspansteelbridges.org.