Did you know that one of the most fearsome bridges in the world is right here in the United States? Welcome to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, which holds the title of the longest bridge over water globally. This incredible structure was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in 1969, and its reputation still stands strong today.
In 1955, the Louisiana Bridge Company was established to embark on this monumental construction project. Completed in just 14 months, the first two-lane span of the causeway opened in 1956, spanning a total length of 23.86 miles. It was a remarkable engineering feat of epic proportions.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is not only long; it also carries with it its fair share of legends. Motorists crossing this humongous bridge often find themselves in awe as they lose sight of land for a staggering eight-mile stretch. Some have even experienced a fear of the open water, causing them to freeze while driving. In those instances, the police step in to provide safety and guidance.
The bridge has also witnessed extraordinary events. Babies have been born on the causeway when their mothers couldn’t reach the hospital on the other side in time. And there’s the incredible story of an airplane that ran out of fuel while flying over the lake but managed to land safely on the bridge. These anecdotes only add to the bridge’s mystique.