Ruston, Louisiana (KTVE/KARD) – For the first time, Louisiana Tech University has been selected to host the annual National Collegiate Railroad Bridge Competition, which will feature approximately 50 teams totaling about 500 students from across the country and abroad.
The LA Tech Student Bridge Team has been working for nearly two years to bring this competition to Northeast Louisiana. Participants are tasked with building an aesthetically pleasing model bridge that can hold up to 2,500 pounds. The bridge also has to be assembled on time. KTVE/KARD spoke with members of the LA Tech Student Bridge Team, who shared more details about the event.
Essentially, this is an engineering design competition for college students. Build a steel bridge, a model bridge. Made entirely of steel. It’s about 20 feet long, 4 feet wide, and about 4 feet off the ground.
Trevor Fortier, Volunteer Housing and Jury Coordinator, LA Tech Steel Bridge Team
Fortier also spoke about how support from the team’s sponsors has helped connect students with businesses and others like them, and went on to elaborate on what the event means to its participants.
It’s like a career fair and competition rolled into one, with plenty of opportunities to connect with other students with similar interests and professionals who may be able to help you in your career.
Trevor Fortier, Volunteer Housing and Jury Coordinator, LA Tech Steel Bridge Team
According to the American Institute of Steel Construction, the roughly 500 students who take part in the competition will have a chance to win scholarships and grants, as well as bragging rights. KTVE/KARD asked Fortier about what it means to host the competition in northeast Louisiana.
It’s very, very exciting to experience a slice of North Louisiana life. We’re doing a crawfish boil tonight and the banquet will feature a lot of Cajun food from South and North Louisiana. It’s really great to bring people into the culture and welcome them into the family.
Trevor Fortier, Volunteer Housing and Jury Coordinator, LA Tech Steel Bridge Team
The tournament will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Ruston Sports Complex from 8am to 5pm.
