Spanning the distance between the states of Louisiana and Mississippi lies the longest bridge crossing the Mississippi River. This magnificent bridge is part of US-90, an east to west highway running parallel to the Gulf of Mexico. Sitting at around 8 miles long, the bridge currently holds the world record for the longest bridge crossing of the second longest river in North America. With its gentle curves and lengthy span, drivers can feel united by the bridge connecting them to the opposite shore.
Construction of this iconic bridge began in 1961, when the cost was estimated to be around $45 million with completion set for late 1964. Work was completed nearly one year ahead of schedule despite the bridge having to stand up to more than 25,000 tons of structural steel which was used for construction. In comparison to the other bridges crossing the Mississippi River, this bridge holds the record for being the longest in length spanning a whopping 8 miles. The closest rival to this record is the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge, situated near Minneapolis, which is just over two miles in length.
The bridge is a popular tourist attraction, and allows visitors to experience up close the sights, sounds, and smells of Mississippi River. Riding across this bridge allows for an incomparable view of both states, as well as the river’s beauty. Boaters and watercrafts use the bridge regularly due to its traffic-free environment, since the bridge is not used for commercial vehicle use. The bridge also has a rest stop built at the midpoint, providing a great opportunity for travelers who need to take a break.
Safety precautions are taken very seriously when operating on the bridge. For example, the bridge is equipped both with a speed limit and guardrails. The speed limit is set to 45 mph, and is strictly enforced. In addition, the bridge is constructed with guardrails that are placed on both sides of the bridge. These guardrails are reliable and have been tested to withstand the weight of the longest trailers driven on the bridge.
The bridge carries immense economic benefits stated by authorities from both Louisiana and Mississippi. The bridge has made it easier for commuters to travel between the nearby cities, allowing for business to boom and travel to remain streamlined. The bridge has also proven to be a great source of revenue for both states, as evident by the hundreds of people who visit this bridge daily, providing a much needed boost to business in the two states.
Environmental Sustainability
In order to ensure the longevity of the bridge, the authorities have taken multiple steps to ensure its longevity. To begin with the bridge was built to be environmentally sustainable, and has been fitted with solar panels, reducing its environmental impact. Additionally, the bridge has a drainage system to ensure that any pollutants that accumulate will be washed away. With barges and boats still travelling upstream, special attention has been taken to ensure that they have been given easy access to the bridge and don’t have to be diverted to a more difficult route.
In order to reduce costs, frequently used parts of the bridge are treated differently. Such sections are designed to not need frequent repairs and are managed in an environmentally friendly manner.
Cultural Impact
On a cultural level, the bridge’s impact has been positive and profound. The bridge has allowed for people from the two states to connect with one another on a daily basis. These connections provide residents of both states to gain a greater understanding of one another, fostering an environment of greater togetherness.
The bridge has also spurred an appreciation for the local beauty of the regions surrounding the bridge, leading to increased economic activity for the communities in nearby towns even more. The bridge has brought new opportunities for art and photography, which has flourished since its completion
Maintenance and Preservation
To ensure that the bridge’s longevity is preserved and maintained, several preservation and maintenance methods have been implemented. On an annual basis, an inspection team is sent out to check on the condition of the bridge and to check for any damage. If damaged, the most appropriate and sustainable replacement or repair methods are implemented quickly.
The bridge is also cleaned regularly, to prevent accumulation of dirt and dust, which would negatively affect the bridge’s appearance and structure. The cleaning crew also performs a comprehensive wash down of the guardrails and speed limit signs, to ensure they are visible and functioning properly. Finally, the bridge is regularly treated with anti-corrosive treatments to maintain the condition of the steel used to build it.
Local Reception
The bridge has been widely accepted by the locals, widely seen as a symbol of wealth and pride in the local communities. Since its construction, this bridge has featured in several iconic photos, postcards and television shows, giving it an even wider recognition.
People from all across the two states meet up at the bridge, and take in its beauty as it crosses the famous Mississippi River. In addition to providing an avenue through which people from both states can interact, this bridge also allows for travellers to cross between the two states, giving them a better understanding of the culture and environment of nearby towns.
Future Development
Experts have already conceptualized ways to improve the bridge through the use of technology. The development of sensory devices have been proposed to provide an easier way to detect any damage on the bridge. Such sensors would be able to detect any potential weak points on the structure, and alert the maintenance team immediately to fix any such damage. This would improve the safety and reliability of the bridge in the long run.
Furthermore,the US-90 bridge is also planned to be connected to an extensive highway system, which would make it much easier to travel through the entire state of Louisiana. The new highway system would make it easier for travelers to traverse Louisiana’s vast terrain with greater ease.
Future Expansion
The authorities are planning a future expansion to the bridge in order to accommodate to the increasing demand of commuters. To facilitate this plan, the bridge is set to gain an additional two lanes in either direction, allowing for more ease of travel. Such development will also aid in alleviating the current congestion problem on the bridge, further reducing traffic.
These plans for expansion will also include additional rest stops, allowing for commuters to take a break from the journey and take in the rugged beauty that Louisiana has to offer. Combined with the new highway system, this modern update will ensure that the bridge will remain a mainstay as a crucial corridor of transport between the two states.
