Southeast Schools Encouraged to Participate in MoDOTs 16th Annual Bridge Building Competition

Registration Deadline: Sept. 3

SIKESTON-The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is sponsoring its 16th annual bridge building competition for high school juniors and seniors in the Southeast District. The competition challenges students to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials−15 pieces of balsa wood, thread and glue.

Schools must register by Sept. 3 to compete in the competition. Contest information has been mailed to area high schools.

This year, high schools are asked to register via email (faxes, online submissions and mailed paper copies will not be accepted). To register, teachers will need to complete the registration spreadsheet at https://www.modot.org/bridge-competition and email it to anita.clark@modot.mo.gov and gretchen.hanks@modot.mo.gov.

The bridge kits will be delivered to the participating schools Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Completed bridges will be picked up from participating schools Oct. 28 and 29. In order to participate, high schools must complete and turn in at least 75 percent of the bridge kits received. These completed bridges must be available for pick up on the specified dates and should ONLY use materials supplied in MoDOT’s bridge kit. High schools must also attend the competition.

Bridges entered in the competition will be tested Nov. 21 in Cape Girardeau. The lightest bridge to carry the greatest load will ultimately be declared the winner. Prizes will also be awarded for the most aesthetic bridge and to the winner of the electronic bridge competition.

Prizes donated by area businesses and organizations will be awarded to the top bridge building winners. In addition, MoDOT has partnered with Arkansas State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri-Columbia and Southern Illinois University to offer seniors interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 in scholarships.

For more information, please contact Senior Highway Designer Anita Clark at (573) 472-5294 or anita.clark@modot.mo.gov, Senior Highway Designer Gretchen Hanks at (573) 472-5294 or gretchen.hanks@modot.mo.gov, or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636). Photos and videos from prior competitions are available at https://www.modot.org/bridge-competition.

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Districts Involved
Southeast