With national attention sharply focused on the need to replace America’s crumbling infrastructure, the North American steel industry and its industry partners are participating in a week-long event to call national attention to the critical role infrastructure plays in our daily lives, economy, jobs, public health and national security.

“United for Infrastructure: A Week to Champion America’s Infrastructure” is being held September 14-21, 2020. Now in its eighth year and formerly known as Infrastructure Week, participating organizations host events to build awareness of and educate policymakers and citizens about the infrastructure challenges in the United States. As participants, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) and American Galvanizers Association (AGA) are partnering to host a webinar on September 17, 2020 that highlights the benefits steel can provide in solving the nation’s infrastructure challenges. AISI is an affiliate member of United for Infrastructure 2020.

“Rebuilding and expanding America’s roads and bridges is critical to keeping our citizens safe and our economy robust, especially during these challenging economic times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kevin Dempsey, interim president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute. “The North American steel industry and its industry partners have durable and cost-effective solutions available.  Our objective is to educate bridge professionals, legislators and concerned citizens about these steel bridge solutions that will help to rebuild our nation’s critical infrastructure.”

The free one-hour webinar is titled “Accelerated Steel Bridge Construction Showcase.” It will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT.  The webinar will be conducted by Michael Barker, Ph.D., P.E., professor of civil and architectural engineering at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Barker is a nationally recognized expert who has more than 30 years of experience in the design and construction of short span steel bridges.

Since short span bridges up to 140 feet comprise the largest category in the U.S. bridge inventory, they are in the greatest need of repair or replacement. Steel bridges consistently meet owners’ and the public’s need for economy, aesthetics, performance and accelerated construction. During the webinar, Dr. Barker will highlight several projects that demonstrate how traditional and prefabricated steel bridge technology can provide solutions to improve our nation’s infrastructure. The webinar is being presented as a special addition to AGA’s Galvanize It! webinar series and awards one PDH or LU credit. Registration details are available at https://galvanizeit.org/education-and-resources/education/educational-seminars/webinar-series.