MoDOT holding bridge building contest

The Missouri Department of Transportation is sponsoring its ninth annual bridge building competition for area high school juniors and seniors. The competition challenges students to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using 15 pieces of balsa wood, thread and glue. Schools must register by Monday. Bridge kits will be delivered to participating schools Oct. 1 through Nov. 1. The competition is scheduled for Nov. 15 at Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau. The lightest bridge to bear the heaviest load will be declared the winner. Prizes will be awarded for the most aesthetic and the winner of the electronic bridge competition. In addition, MoDOT has partnered with other universities to offer scholarships to students interested in civil engineering.

For more information, go to www.modot.org/bridgebuildingcompetition.htm or call highway designer Anita Clark at 573-472-5292.