The Bridge Slider
About The Bridge
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The Bridge Slider
About The Bridge
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A Major Corridor Connecting the Greater New Orleans Region.

A Major Corridor Connecting the Greater New Orleans Region.

Bridge Components

-The southbound bridge has 2,246 spans (decks). Each span is typically 28’ in width by 56’ in length. Southbound was completed in 1956.

-The northbound bridge has 1,506 spans. Each span is typically 28’ in width by 84’ length. Northbound was completed in 1969.

-The spans consist of monolithically-cast, precast prestressed concrete girders, decks and rails.

-The spans have a 10 foot clearance with average water levels.

-The spans are supported on precast pile bents resting on top of 54” diameter hollow, precast, post-tensioned concrete piles. The southbound pile bents have two piles each and northbound have three piles each (to support longer span length). Over 9,000 piles support the bridges. Piles average 90’ in length.

-The majority of Causeway spans are about 10’ above the average lake water level.

-The drawbridge is located at the 16.0 mile marker on the Causeway Bridge (8 miles from the Northshore), and when closed, provides a 45’ clearance for vessels.

-A fixed high rise is located at the 8.0 mile marker on the Causeway Bridge (8 miles from the Southshore) and provides a 50’ clearance for vessels.

-Three low rises are located at the 4 mile marker, 12 mile marker, and the 20 mile marker on the Causeway Bridge and provide 25’ clearance for vessels.

-The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bascule drawbridge is manned 24/7. Drawbridge operators may be reached on VHF-16 , the marine radio hailing and distress frequency, or by telephone at (504) 836-5442.

-Due to heavy vehicular traffic, the drawbridge is not opened during weekday commuting hours, 5:30 am to 9:30 am and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

-To schedule an opening at other times, please contact us at least three hours prior to your desired opening time.

-There are 6 northbound and 6 southbound segmented shoulders (safety bays) each measuring 600 to 1,008 feet long. The segmented shoulders are located on the same mile marker for each span.

-They are located at the 2 mile marker, 6 mile marker, 10 mile marker, 14 mile marker, 18 mile marker, and 22 mile marker.

–The new railings are 46 inches above the roadway.

There are 7 crossovers between the spans. The crossovers are meant to be for emergency stopping only. 

  • Crossover 1000 is located at the 20 mile marker
  • Crossover 2000 is located on the north side of the 16 mile marker
  • Crossover 3000 is located on the south side of the 16 mile marker
  • Crossover 4000 is located at the 12 mile marker
  • Crossover 5000 is located on the north side of the 8 mile marker
  • Crossover 6000 is located on the south side of the 8 mile marker
  • Crossover 7000 is located at the 4 mile marker

-Mile markers are green signs that are mounted on the bridge railings for every 10th of a mile.

-There are 19 electronic message boards that provide important traffic and safety information.

-There are numerous traffic and security cameras mounted on the bridge in strategic locations for public safety.

-There is one toll booth plaza located on the bridge’s north shore.

The Two Spans

The Two Spans

Drawbridge

Drawbridge

Bascule

Bascule

Safety Bays

Safety Bays

New Railing

New Railing

Crossovers

Crossovers

Pilings

Pilings

Mile Markers

Mile Markers

DMS

DMS

Traffic Cameras

Traffic Cameras

Toll Plaza

Toll Plaza
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