Best time to visit New Orleans

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge in New Orleans

The world's longest continious bridge over a body of water

Best time: all year round

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge is one of America's iconic bridges along with Golden Gate and Brooklyn Bridges. Causeway consists of two parallel bridges crossing Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. The longer section is 38 km (24 mi) long. Causeway connects Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, with the town of Mandeville, Louisiana.

The idea to build a bridge over Lake Pontchartrain appeared in the 1950s when New Orleans was rapidly growing, and the lake was limiting access to the city from the north. Getting around the Lake took a lot of time. The Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission was formed, and the bridge was built promptly and opened in 1956.

In 1969, The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge was listed by Guinness World Records as the longest bridge over water. In 2011, after the opening of the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in China, it had become the longest continuous bridge with 9,500 concrete pilings holding the structure.

Lake Pontchartrain was named after the Count de Pontchartrain, minister of finance for French King Louis XIV. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge is one of the most scenic attractions of Louisiana. The lake has abundant wildlife, with lots of fish and shellfish, water birds like pelicans and ducks. The lake's shores are lined with rare, ancient trees and Spanish moss.

Practical info

When is the best time to cross the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge?

The bridge over Lake Pontchartrain is always open, but the recommended time to cross is during summer evenings to enjoy a gorgeous view of the sunset. The bridge area has designated parking spots and parks that visitors can use. The scene of the sun setting behind the lake is an exceptional view that is worth enjoying. Show more

Where is the entrance to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge located?

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge is located in Metairie, Louisiana, Gaining access to the bridge is by exiting I-10 Murie on 228. Following this, the Causeway Boulevard leads to the bridge, about eight miles north. This bridge spans 24 miles to the town of Mandeville. Show more

What is the length of the shortest section of the Causeway Bridge?

The causeway bridge, composed of parallel bridges, measures 23.83 miles, making it the longest bridge over water globally. The shortest section of this bridge system measures 6,226 feet and came into existence in 1969. Show more

How many cars can fit on the Causeway Bridge at once?

The capacity of the bridge is 2,000 vehicles, with a recommended speed limit of 65mph for safety reasons. The bridge experiences traffic congestion during peak hours, where commuters may encounter some delays. Passengers preferring to cross frequently can buy toll tags, which discount the toll fee and offer a more seamless process. Show more

What type of fish can be caught in Lake Pontchartrain?

Lake Pontchartrain is one of the most exceptional fishing spots. The lake contains various fish species such as redfish, trout, flounder, croaker, drum, and catfish. Shrimp and blue crab are also bountiful along the lakeshore, offering an enjoyable and relishing experience to anglers. Fishing is not allowed on the Causeway Bridge. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin