The 2026 Official Student Steel Bridge Competition Rules are now available, along with updated resources for teams, faculty advisors, and hosts!

Communities north of El Paso need a new, aesthetically pleasing pedestrian bridge over the Rio Grande, and they’re counting on you to make it happen.

El Paso County officials have selected steel for its design versatility, ease of prefabrication, rapid construction, superior strength-to-weight ratio, durability, unmatched recycled content, and the steel industry’s overall commitment to sustainability.

To prioritize efficient erection and safety, they’re offering a discounted hourly builder rate for companies that provide larger construction crews. Erectors may use temporary barges within the river to facilitate construction.

There are, of course, some limitations. The community still needs a navigable channel to enjoy kayaking and other activities. It’s critical to prevent erosion and minimize local disturbance, so construction cannot encroach onto the riverbanks. There are also height restrictions to preserve natural sightlines. 

Permanent or temporary piers are not allowed, and soil conditions restrict the location of footings as well as the size of construction zones. All materials and equipment must be remotely staged.

Can you design, fabricate, and build the bridge they need? There’s only one way to find out! The 19 regional competitions of the Student Steel Bridge Competition will take place in spring 2026, and the top performing teams will gather at University of Texas at El Paso for the National Finals on May 22–23, 2026.