MoDOT Tests Bridges, Names Winners of the 12th Annual Bridge Building Competition
Ste. Genevieve, Oak Ridge and Chaffee 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. 19 at the completion of MoDOT’s 12th 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.
Ste. Genevieve, Oak Ridge and Chaffee 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.
In addition, five students were recognized for building the lightest bridges that carried the greatest loads. Winners included:
- 1st – Dalton Giesler – Ste. Genevieve
- 2nd – Jessica Hahs – Oak Ridge
- 3rd – Daniel Vieth – Ste. Genevieve
- 4th – Ashley Lemonds – Oak Ridge
- 5th – Austin Brewer – Ste. Genevieve
2015 Bridge Competition Photos
Visit the Flickr gallery to view or download photos from the 2015 bridge competition.
Other awards included the most aesthetic bridge, presented to Savannah Mackey of Delta C-7 High School; and the computer-based electronic bridge award presented to Jamie Hodge of Delta High School.
Prize donations and supply sponsorships were 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, Sam's Club, Pepsi Mid-America 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 Missouri State Highway Patrol and representatives from 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 Senior Highway Designer Gretchen Hanks at (573) 472-6599 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636).
PHOTOS: www.flickr.com/photos/modot_se/albums/72157659423754753