The mighty Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. This large river is home to a number of bridges, including several in Louisiana. In this article, we’ll take a look at the bridges that cross the Mississippi River in Louisiana and the types of traffic they support.
Types of Bridges Crossing the Mississippi River in Louisiana
The Mississippi River in Louisiana is crossed by several types of bridges, including suspension, truss, and cantilever bridges. Each of these bridge types serves a different purpose.
Suspension Bridges
Suspension bridges are the most common type of bridge crossing the Mississippi River in Louisiana. These bridges are supported by cables that are suspended between two towers. The cables are connected to the towers at each end of the bridge, providing stability and support for the bridge deck. Suspension bridges are ideal for long spans of water and can carry a large amount of traffic.
Truss Bridges
Truss bridges are another type of bridge that can be used to cross the Mississippi River in Louisiana. These bridges are constructed from a series of triangular frames or trusses. The trusses are connected to form a rigid structure that is strong enough to support the weight of traffic. Truss bridges are commonly used on shorter spans of water and can carry a medium amount of traffic.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are another type of bridge that can be used to cross the Mississippi River in Louisiana. These bridges are constructed from a single beam that is cantilevered out from one side of the river. The beam is supported by towers on either side of the river, allowing the bridge deck to span a long distance without the need for additional support. Cantilever bridges are ideal for long spans of water and can carry a large amount of traffic.
Bridges Crossing the Mississippi River in Louisiana
There are several bridges that cross the Mississippi River in Louisiana. Here are some of the most notable bridges:
Luling Bridge
The Luling Bridge is a suspension bridge located in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. The bridge spans the Mississippi River and carries US Highway 90. The bridge was built in 1960 and is 1,575 feet long.
Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge
The Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge is a truss bridge located in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. The bridge spans the Mississippi River and carries US Highway 61. The bridge was built in 1928 and is 3,092 feet long.
Algiers-Canal Street Ferry
The Algiers-Canal Street Ferry is a ferry located in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. The ferry crosses the Mississippi River and carries pedestrians and vehicles between the two sides of the river. The ferry was established in 1827 and is still in operation today.
Gretna Ferry
The Gretna Ferry is a ferry located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The ferry crosses the Mississippi River and carries pedestrians and vehicles between the two sides of the river. The ferry was established in 1903 and is still in operation today.
Crescent City Connection
The Crescent City Connection is a cantilever bridge located in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, Louisiana. The bridge spans the Mississippi River and carries US Highways 90 and 10. The bridge was built in 1965 and is 5,567 feet long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many bridges cross the Mississippi River in Louisiana?
A1: There are five bridges that cross the Mississippi River in Louisiana: the Luling Bridge, the Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge, the Algiers-Canal Street Ferry, the Gretna Ferry, and the Crescent City Connection.
Q2: What types of bridges cross the Mississippi River in Louisiana?
A2: The Mississippi River in Louisiana is crossed by several types of bridges, including suspension, truss, and cantilever bridges.
Q3: What is the longest bridge crossing the Mississippi River in Louisiana?
A3: The longest bridge crossing the Mississippi River in Louisiana is the Crescent City Connection, which is 5,567 feet long.
Q4: How old is the Algiers-Canal Street Ferry?
A4: The Algiers-Canal Street Ferry was established in 1827 and is still in operation today.
Q5: What type of bridge is the Luling Bridge?
A5: The Luling Bridge is a suspension bridge located in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana.
Q6: How long is the Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge?
A6: The Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge is 3,092 feet long.
Q7: What type of bridge is the Gretna Ferry?
A7: The Gretna Ferry is a ferry located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Q8: What type of traffic does the Crescent City Connection carry?
A8: The Crescent City Connection carries US Highways 90 and 10.
Q9: What type of bridge is the Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge?
A9: The Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge is a truss bridge located in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana.
Q10: How old is the Gretna Ferry?
A10: The Gretna Ferry was established in 1903 and is still in operation today.