The Longest Bridge Near New Orleans Has A Truly Fascinating Backstory
By Jackie Ann|Updated on February 27, 2024(Originally published November 11, 2021)
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
If you’re a Greater New Orleans resident, you know the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway all too well. It may even be a part of your morning commute. (Fun fact, did you know some of the best drivers in the nation are in New Orleans?) While this impressive bridge may be white noise to locals, it has a fascinating history as the longest bridge in Louisiana that you may be surprised to learn.
Not only is the Causeway the longest bridge in Louisiana, it is still one of the longest in the world – pretty neat, huh? Do you remember when there was just one single bridge? How about when they tore down the Metairie tolls? Share your memories with us in the comments!
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Bridges In New Orleans
Chris Muras|February 27, 2024
What are some interesting bridges in New Orleans?
New Orleans is a city that has a rich cultural history. Some of the history revolves around some of its iconic bridges. Here are some interesting bridges in New Orleans that you might not know the history of:
Huey P. Long Bridge: This iconic bridge in New Orleans is an old two-track railroad bridge bordered by two three-lane highways that cross the Mississippi River. The bridge opened in 1935 as the first bridge to span the Mississippi River in Louisiana. It does have a sordid past that leads many to believe it is now haunted by several ghosts of men who died during its construction. Legend has it, that there are men buried in the concrete blocks holding the bridge in place.
Crescent City Connection: This slightly more modern bridge also crosses the Mississippi River giving drivers on US Highway 90 a means to travel from downtown New Orleans to the Westbank. It was built in 1958, at the time, it was the longest cantilever bridge in the world. An interesting thing about this bridge is that Business US 90 West travels eastbound, while Business US 90 East heads westbound because of the twisting nature of the river.
Frank Davis "Naturally N'Awlins" Memorial Bridge: This bridge was named after an iconic news personality from the local WWL-TV station. It crosses over Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans East to Slidell. The bridge originally opened in 1965, but due to extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina, it was re-built starting in 2006 so that it could better withstand extreme storms.
Get to know New Orleans as viewed from the mighty Mississippi River on a paddle-wheel boat ride and dinner cruise with live music and incredible Creole-inspired dinner.