This presentation gives an overall survey of research realized since 15 years by specialized laboratories in six countries of the European Community. Putting their means together, institutes have approached steel bridge fatigue problem by studying vehicle loads before studying fatigue resistance of bridge elements. The study of loads has shown the importance of number of cycles. It has also been possible to test the accuracy of a simulation programme and to define load models for road bridge fatigue calculation. Finally orthotropic deck fatigue resistance study allows proposals for bridge design.