AASHTO Journal - Thomas Murphy Wins 2026 Steel Bridge Task Force Award

The Steel Bridge Task Force – comprised of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) and the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials Steel and Metals Technical Committee – has named Thomas Murphy, senior vice president and chief technical officer of Modjeski and Masters, as the recipient of the 2026 Richard S. Fountain Award.

[Above left to right: Murphy and Michael Grubb of M.A. Grubb & Associates. Photo by AISI.]

Named for the founder of the Steel Bridge Task Force, the Fountain Award – established in 2001 – recognizes leadership in steel bridge research and outstanding efforts to advance AASHTO specifications. Murphy received the award at the Steel Bridge Task Force meeting on September 28 in Anchorage, AK.

“Tom’s contributions to steel bridge engineering span virtually every aspect of our profession—from the design of complex signature bridges and nationally significant research to the development and implementation of design specifications,” said Dan Snyder, vice president of construction for AISI, in a statement.

“His technical expertise, leadership and continued support of the Steel Bridge Task Force have made him a trusted resource throughout the bridge community,” Snyder added. “His work on refined analysis and his stewardship of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications have had a lasting impact on bridge design and evaluation practices across the country.”

Murphy – who has more than 25 years of bridge engineering experience – is a longtime contributor to the Steel Bridge Task Force and has provided significant leadership in maintaining the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, working closely with AASHTO committees and bridge industry experts to incorporate and implement revisions to the specifications.

Murphy – who holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Michigan, is a registered professional engineer in 30 states, and served as the lead author of the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual for Refined Analysis in Bridge Design and Evaluation – served as the engineer of record for the award-winning I-74 Mississippi River Bridge arch bridges and has led or participated in more than 10 National Cooperative Highway Research Program projects.