Did you know that the longest bridge over water in the world is located in Louisiana? It’s called the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and it was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in 1969. This incredible bridge stretches for nearly 24 miles and provides a vital connection for residents and travelers alike.
A Bridge Built for Accessibility
Back in the 1940s and 1950s, the growing city of New Orleans faced a challenge. Access to the north of the city was limited due to a major obstacle: Lake Pontchartrain. To solve this problem, plans were made to construct a direct link across the lake to its northern shore.
Thus, the Louisiana Bridge Company was created in 1955 to undertake this ambitious construction project. The first two-lane span of the causeway was completed in just 14 months and opened in 1956 with a total length of 23.86 miles. This allowed motorists to bypass the lengthy detour around the lake and enjoy a more convenient journey.
A Journey Like No Other
Driving across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is truly a unique experience. The bridge is so long that there is an eight-mile stretch where motorists lose sight of land. This can be quite intimidating for even the most experienced drivers, leading some to feel a slight sense of unease. In fact, there have been cases where drivers froze out of a false fear of being out at sea. But don’t worry, the police are always ready to assist and guide anyone who may find themselves overwhelmed.
The causeway has also witnessed some extraordinary events. On rare occasions, babies have been born on the bridge when their mothers couldn’t make it to the hospital on the other side in time. In another remarkable incident, an airplane actually ran out of gas over the lake but managed to make an emergency landing safely on the bridge. These stories only add to the bridge’s legendary status and make it a source of fascination and admiration.
Expansion and Guinness World Records
A decade after the completion of the first bridge, daily traffic had already surpassed 5,300 vehicles. To accommodate the growing demand, plans were made to construct a second two-lane span parallel to the original. The second bridge opened in 1969, separated from the original by about 84 feet.
While the second span wasn’t significantly longer than the first, its addition caught the attention of the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2011, however, a new bridge in China threatened to surpass the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in length. But a fair solution was reached when Guinness decided to create two new categories: “longest bridge over water (continuous)” and “longest bridge over water (aggregate).”
Even though the world record for the longest bridge over water has changed hands since then, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway remains the world’s longest bridge continuously over water. This remarkable achievement has stood the test of time for over 60 years.
Know Before You Go
If you’re planning to experience the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind. The causeway crosses Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana, connecting the southern terminus in the Metairie suburb of New Orleans to the northern terminus in Mandeville. Toll collection is only done on the north shore for southbound traffic. The toll for cars is $5 in cash or $3 for electronic toll collection using tags. Additionally, there is a bascule drawbridge located at the 16.0-mile marker on the causeway, allowing water traffic to pass under the bridge.
So, if you ever find yourself in Louisiana, don’t miss the opportunity to drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Experience the awe-inspiring length, the breathtaking views, and the incredible history of the world’s longest bridge over water.
