SE Bridge Competition 2013

MoDOT Tests Bridges, Names Winners of the 10th Annual Bridge Building Competition

Oak Ridge, Chaffee and Ste. Genevieve High Schools Take 'Top Three'

SIKESTON-After weeks of work to build the most efficient model bridges, Southeast Missouri high school students put their bridges to the test Nov. 21 at the completion of MoDOT's 10th Annual Bridge Building Competition. The competition challenges high school juniors and seniors to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials-15 pieces of balsa wood, thread and glue.

Oak Ridge, Chaffee and Ste. Genevieve High Schools received first, second and third place for best overall performance, respectively. These schools received cash prizes donated by the Chapter 10 Transportation Employees Association of Missouri.

In addition, five students were recognized for building the lightest bridges that carried the greatest loads. Winners included:

  • 1st - Kelby Brown - Oak Ridge
  • 2nd - Cameron Moore - Oak Ridge
  • 3rd - Emma Hemmann - Oak Ridge
  • 4th - Kaleb Siemer - Oak Ridge
  • 5th - Lyndsie Robert - Scott City
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Other awards included the most aesthetic bridge, presented to Hannah Steward of Delta C-7 High School; and the computer-based electronic bridge award presented to Morgan Smith of Oak Ridge High School.

Prize donations and supply sponsorships have been made possible by the following businesses and organizations: Chapter 10 Transportation Employees Association of Missouri, Cape West 14 Cine, Three Rivers Community College, Cape Area Engineers Club, Southeast Physics & Engineering Club, Southeast Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, Kirlin's Hallmark of Cape Girardeau, Rhodes Convenience Stores, CiCi's Pizza, Coca Cola, Sam's Club and the Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety. 

MoDOT also partnered with Arkansas State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, to offer seniors interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 in scholarships.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Southeast Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety were 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. In addition, an obstacle course was set-up to simulate the dangers of driving while intoxicated. The Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted by providing equipment for the educational displays.

For more information, please contact Senior Highway Designer Anita Clark at (573) 472-5292, Senior Highway Designer Gretchen Hanks at (573) 472-5294 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636).

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