After weeks of work to build the most efficient model bridges, Southeast Missouri high school students are now gearing-up to put their bridges to the test. The Missouri Department of Transportation will test nearly 200 bridges entered into its 21st Annual Bridge Building Competition on Thursday, Nov. 21 at Southeast Missouri State University’s Academic Hall in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Doors will open at 8 a.m., with the competition beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at approximately 12 p.m.
The competition challenges high school juniors and seniors to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials—balsa wood, string and glue.
“This year, hundreds of students worked to design and construct their bridges,” said MoDOT Standards Specialist Gretchen Hanks. “We are excited to put their bridges to the test.”
Hanks explained the lightest bridges that carry the greatest loads will ultimately be named the winners.
Prizes donated by area businesses and organizations will be awarded to the top bridge building winners, as well as for the most aesthetic bridge and the electronic bridge building contest. Similar to previous years, cash prizes will be given to the top five schools with the best overall performance.
MoDOT also partnered with Arkansas State University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to offer seniors interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 in scholarships.
“We are very pleased to have 25 area schools participating in this year’s competition,” said MoDOT Senior Estimator Anita Clark. “In addition to giving students an opportunity to win prizes, our goal is for students to gain an appreciation of STEM careers—specifically engineering.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Southeast Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety will be on hand during the competition to discuss the importance of buckling-up with the Seat Belt Convincer, which simulates how it feels to be in a traffic crash.
For more information, please contact Clark at (573) 751-0269, Hanks at (573) 472-9019 or MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636). Additional information is available at www.modot.org/bridge-competition.
