The Longest Bridge in the World
If you are a fan of bridges, why not check out the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway on your next trip to New Orleans? The 24 mile Causeway spans Lake Pontchartrain, the second largest saltwater lake in the United States, and is the longest bridge in the world.
Technically speaking, the bridge is not in New Orleans at all. The Causeway runs from the New Orleans suburb of Metairie to the town of Mandeville, in the Northshore suburban area. However, Metairie is easily accessible from New Orleans via a range of major roads.
The original Causeway was a two-lane span that opened in 1959. Prior to the Causeway’s construction, Northshore residents were forced to drive around the lake, a 50 minute detour through Slidell to the east or Manchac to the west. The instant success of the new bridge led to the construction of a second two-lane span in 1969.
Because of New Orleans’ geographical positioning, the Causeway plays a critical role in hurricane evacuation. When an evacuation is ordered, tolls are suspended and eventually both spans are opened only to northbound traffic. Despite a serious hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the bridge was not seriously damaged. It was reopened first to rescue workers, and then to all travelers on September 19, 2005.
Driving on the Causeway is an adventure worthy of the time investment. From the midpoint of the bridge, it is impossible to see land in either direction. There is a $3 toll to cross south from Mandeville (higher for oversize vehicles), but there is no toll heading north from Metairie.
To make a day trip out of it, cross the bridge north to Mandeville and stop for lunch at one of the many excellent seafood restaurants in Historic Mandeville, just off the lake. Instead of turning around and heading back after lunch, veer east on Highway 190. This will take you to the town of Slidell. Take 190 to Highway 11. This old bridge will take you back to New Orleans by way of the bayou, where Hurricane Katrina devastated homes and fishing communities in 2005.
Next time you are in New Orleans, you will doubtless have plenty of things to do. For a taste of Cajun life combined with a drive on the longest bridge in the world, however, why not spend a day in your Certified Mercedes? You will be amazed at the cultural and lifestyle differences just outside New Orleans’ borders.
Filed Under: Certified Mercedes-Benz
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