Bridge competition open to students

The Misosuri Department of Transportation is sponsoring its fourth annual bridge building competition for high school juniors and seniors in its 14-county Southeast District.

Competitors receive a bridge kit with 20 pieces of balsa wood, a spool of thread and a bottle of glue. Each student must design and build the most efficient model of a light-weight bridge that carries the greatest load possible.

They'll be tested Nov. 15 at Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Gir-ardeau. Prizes will be awarded to individuals as well as the school with the best overall result. Any school with three or more entries will be eligible for a prize sponsored by Sen. Jason Crowell.

Seniors interested in studying civil engineering are eligible for scholarships worth up to $10,000 though partnerships between MoDOT and Arkansas State University, Southeast Missouri State University, University of Missouri-Rolla, University of Missouri-Columbia and Southern Illinois University.

The registration deadline is Friday. Forms are available on MoDOT's Web site at www.modot.org/southeast. They were also sent to math, science, industrial arts teachers and guidance counselors at area schools.

For details, call traffic engineer Craig Compas at (573) 472-5310 or transportation project designer Jason Williams at (573) 472-5293.