John W. Redmann | March 5, 2025 | Miscellaneous
Many of the bridges in Louisiana have been a source of concern over the years for various reasons. The 10 worst bridges in the state have been ranked as such due to their proportional frequency of car accidents, their increasingly questionable structural integrity, and the effects of climate change, which is causing the waters under them to rise continuously.
Here’s an overview of the 10 worst bridges in Louisiana and how to stay safe when crossing them.
How Are The 10 Worst Bridges Determined?
Louisiana has numerous bridges. According to the American Road & Transportation Safety Builders Association, the state has the eighth-worst bridges in the nation. The organization has classified 1,458 Louisiana bridges (out of more than 11,000 in the state) as “structurally deficient,” meaning more than 10% need repair and maintenance.
The following 10 bridges rank among the worst offenders:
1. The Huey P. Long Bridge
Built in 1940, the Huey P. Long Bridge is one of the state’s oldest Mississippi River crossings. It can see as many as 50,000 vehicles per day. However, its narrow build and corroding steel components make it antiquated by modern standards.
2. The Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge
This bridge provides much-needed passage from downtown Shreveport to the Barksdale Air Force Base. Despite this necessity, there’s been a growing concern about the bridge’s ability to handle its ever-increasing demands (more than 40,000 cars pass over it daily) and its aging infrastructure.
3. The Intracoastal Waterway Bridge
If you want to get from the Mississippi River to downtown Baton Rouge, you have to cross the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge, which was built in 1960 in Port Allen. Due to the large volume of freight traffic that passes underneath, however, locals have become concerned about its structural integrity.
4. The Belle Chasse Tunnel and Bridge
This unique structure is part tunnel and part bridge, each component being designed to take traffic from Louisiana 23 over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Unfortunately, the bridge frequently opens for marine traffic, which means significant delays make devastating auto wrecks more likely.
5. The Sunshine Bridge
The Sunshine Bridge allows drivers to take the LA 70 across the Mississippi River. This crossing had a revolutionary design when it was constructed back in 1964, but it’s now considered structurally deficient.
6. The Pontchartrain Causeway
The Pontchartrain Causeway is the best-known bridge in Louisiana. It’s also the longest continuous bridge in the United States. Though this main artery is essential for travel between Metairie and Mandeville, it’s one of the oldest bridges in the state at nearly 70 years old.
7. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
Also known as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the United States. Sadly, this distinction hasn’t prevented its gradual deterioration.
8. The I-10 Bridge Over U.S. Highway 90
Located in Jefferson Parish, this stretch of I-10 is one of the most important passages in Louisiana, crossing directly over the U.S. 90. Its weathered condition and various maintenance failures have left local engineers concerned about its future viability.
9. The Jimmie Davis Bridge
Jimmie Davis was a famous country music singer, a one-time Louisiana governor, and the namesake of this frequently used two-lane bridge. It spans the Red River, connecting Shreveport to Bossier City.
10. The Calcasieu River Bridge
Another bridge that runs over I-10, the Calcasieu River Bridge spans the river of the same name in the Lake Charles district. Its rusted beams and crumbling rivets have been a source of anxiety for many motorists over the years.
Use Good Judgment To Stay Safe On Louisiana’s Bridges
Depending on the circumstances, you may not always be able to avoid these risky routes. Fortunately, practicing safe driving habits and following traffic laws, including speed limits and posted signage, can go a long way toward preventing a worst-case scenario.
Contact the Metairie Car Accident Lawyers of The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our car accident attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202
Metairie, LA, 70002
(504) 500-5000
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Gretna, LA Office
