Strong, Flexible & Beautiful: The Benefits of Steel Bridge Construction Steel is one of the most common elements used here in the U.S. and all over the globe to build many types and sizes of bridges, including:
Long-span bridges
Highway bridges
Railroad bridges
Footbridges
Some of the characteristics of steel that make it an attractive option for bridge builders include its versatility, cost effectiveness, longevity, and sustainability. These qualities allow designers to develop structures that would be impossible to build without steel components. Many of the great landmark bridges are constructed of steel. Still, it's important to note that steel bridges aren't just attractive, they're generally stronger, safer, faster to build, require less maintenance, and are more flexible, which makes them perfect for earthquake-prone and high-wind sites. Steel is also used to protect elements on bridges, including utility infrastructure.