SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (Heartland News) - The Missouri Department of Transportation is hosting its 23rd annual bridge building competition this fall.
According to MoDOT, the competition is for high school juniors and seniors in the Southeast District’s 25-county region. Students are challenged to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials: balsa wood, thread and glue.
MoDOT will provide all participating schools with free bridge kits, which will be mailed to them during the week of September 14. Bridges will be picked up during the week of October 27.
Bridges entered in the competition will be tested on Thursday, November 5 at Southeast Missouri State University’s Academic Hall, located at 900 Normal Ave. in Cape Girardeau.
MoDOT says the lightest bridge to carry the greatest load will be declared the winner.
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There are cash prizes for the top bridge building winners, the most aesthetic bridge and the winner of the electronic bridge building contest.
Additionally, cash prizes will be awarded to the top five schools with the best overall performance. The teacher with the most efficient bridge will also win a cash prize.
Southeast Missouri State University will be awarding a scholarship to the top winner.
Schools must register by Sept. 13 to compete. Click here to register.
For more information, contact Senior Communications Specialist Ashley Metelski at (573) 380-9432 or ashley.metelski@modot.mo.gov.
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