SE Bridge Competition 2014

MoDOT Tests Bridges, Names Winners of the 11th Annual Bridge Building Competition

Oak Ridge, Ste. Genevieve and Notre Dame 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. 20 at the completion of MoDOT's 11th 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, Ste. Genevieve and Notre Dame High Schools received first, second and third place for best overall performance, respectively. These schools received cash prizes donated by the SE Chapter Transportation Employee Association of Missouri.

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In addition, five students were recognized for building the lightest bridges that carried the greatest loads. Winners included: 1st - Tessa Mangels - Oak Ridge; 2nd - Gabe Shrout - Oak Ridge; 3rd - Andrew DeRousse - Ste. Genevieve; 4th - Jessica Hahs - Oak Ridge; and 5th - Bryan Schaaf - Ste. Genevieve.

Other awards included the most aesthetic bridge, presented to Monica Foltz of Notre Dame High School; and the computer-based electronic bridge award presented to Morgan Schenck of Ste. Genevieve High School.

Prize donations and supply sponsorships have been made possible by the following businesses and organizations: SE Chapter Transportation Employee 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, 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.

Members of 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.

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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Southeast District Bridge Competition 2014

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