Design may be dependent on more than the mere tension. But if tension only was the case, you may ensure it is passed to competent abutments either in direct tension throug proper embedments or in shear through shear friction atop the support.
The standard technique is to use a fixed end bearing. Even a simply supported bridge should be supported on bearings to allow for rotation at the supports. the fixed bearing permits the structure to be raised for removal and replacement/repair of the bearings. A steel dowel bar does not permit the bridge to rotate, nor does it allow the bridge to be raised.
Check out the Illinois Department of Transportation website and look for the bridge manual.
IDOT uses shear pins regulary for deck girder type bridges. In addition, these bridges will be supported on a small flexible material to allow for rotation as well.
