Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain Causeway: A Bridge of Legends
A Triumph Over the Lake
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, recognized by Guinness World Records in 1969, is the world’s longest bridge over water. In the 1940s and 1950s, New Orleans’ rapid growth necessitated a direct route to the city’s northern areas. The Louisiana Bridge Company completed the 23.86-mile bridge in 1956, creating an engineering marvel.
A Bridge of Legends
Motorists often lose sight of land for an eight-mile stretch, leading to awe and sometimes fear. “Police step in to provide safety and guidance” for those who freeze while driving. Extraordinary events include babies born on the bridge and a plane that safely landed after running out of fuel, adding to its mystique.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
With traffic increasing, a second two-lane span was added in 1969, slightly longer than the original. The bridge held the title of the longest over water until 2011 when the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in China was completed. Guinness then recognized Lake Pontchartrain Causeway as the “longest bridge over water (continuous).”
Essential Information
The bridge stretches from Metairie, a New Orleans suburb, to Mandeville on Lake Pontchartrain’s northern shore. Tolls are collected for southbound traffic, and a bascule drawbridge at the 16-mile marker allows water traffic to pass. This iconic structure continues to amaze all who cross it.
