Did you know that Louisiana is home to the longest bridge over water in the world? It’s called the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, and it has held this title since 1969. This amazing bridge spans nearly 24 miles and serves as a vital link for both locals and travelers.

Back in the 1940s and 1950s, the city of New Orleans faced a challenge. Getting to the northern part of the city was difficult because of Lake Pontchartrain. To solve this problem, plans were made to build a direct connection across the lake.

So, the Louisiana Bridge Company was formed in 1955 to take on this monumental task. The first two-lane section of the causeway was completed in just 14 months and opened in 1956, providing a more convenient route for motorists, bypassing the long detour around the lake.

Driving across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is an experience like no other. The bridge is so long that there is an eight-mile stretch where you can’t see land. This might be a bit intimidating, even for experienced drivers. But rest assured, the police are always ready to assist and guide anyone who might feel overwhelmed.

This bridge 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 time. In another remarkable incident, an airplane 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 truly fascinating and admired structure.

Just ten years after the first bridge was completed, daily traffic had already exceeded 5,300 vehicles. To meet the growing demand, plans were made to construct a second two-lane section parallel to the original. This second bridge opened in 1969, with a separation of about 84 feet from the original.

While the second span wasn’t significantly longer than the first, it caught the attention of the Guinness Book of World Records. However, a bridge in China threatened to surpass the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in length in 2011. To address this, Guinness created two new categories: “longest bridge over water (continuous)” and “longest bridge over water (aggregate).”

Though the world record for the longest bridge over water has changed hands since then, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway still holds the title for being the longest bridge continuously over water. This incredible achievement has remained unbeaten for over 60 years.

If you ever find yourself in Louisiana, don’t miss the chance to drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Experience the awe-inspiring length, take in the breathtaking views, and appreciate the incredible history of the world’s longest bridge over water.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to cross the causeway:

• The causeway connects 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 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, get ready for an unforgettable journey and make sure to include the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway on your bucket list when you visit Louisiana.