MoDOT to Sponsor 22nd Annual Bridge Building Competition…

SIKESTON-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 300 bridges entered into its 22nd Annual Bridge Building Competition on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Southeast Missouri State University's Academic Hall in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Doors will open at 8 a.m., and the competition will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude 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.

Cash prizes donated by BFW/Marcum Engineering and Consulting, Cape County Engineers Club, Cape Noon Optimist Club, Missouri Society of Professional Engineers and Rotary Club of Southeast Missouri Service will be awarded to the top bridge building competitors, 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.

Arkansas State University will offer the first-place winner a $1,000 scholarship. Mizzou Engineering will offer a one-time $1,000 scholarship to one person from the winning team with top qualifications.

Cape Girardeau Safe Communities will be on hand during the competition to discuss the importance of driving sober.

Media partners are invited to take photos/film after 9 a.m. on the day of the event.

For more information, please contact Senior Communications Specialist Ashley Metelski at (573) 472-5885, 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.

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