After weeks of working to build the most efficient model bridges, Southeast Missouri high-school students are gearing up to put their bridges to the test.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will test bridges entered into its 12th annual Bridge Building Competition on Thursday at Cape West 14 Cine, 247 Siemers Drive in Cape Girardeau.

Doors will open at 8 a.m., with the competition beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding about 2 p.m.

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, according to MoDOT.

More than 40 schools will participate in the competition, said Anita Clark, senior highway designer for MoDOT.

Clark said the competition provides students with an opportunity not only to learn about engineering, but to win prizes.

Prizes donated by area businesses and organizations will be awarded to the top five bridge-builders, as well as for the most aesthetic bridge and the electronic bridge-building contest.

Similar to previous years, cash prizes donated by the SE Chapter Transportation Employee Association of Missouri will be given to the top three schools with best overall performance.

MoDOT partnered with Arkansas State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri-Columbia and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to offer seniors interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 in scholarships.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Southeast Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety will be present 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.

klamb@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3639

Pertinent address:

247 Siemers Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.