Calcasieu River Bridge

The Calcasieu River Bridge is a road crossing over the river of the same name in Louisiana, part of Interstate 10. Steel trusses rise above the wide waterway, forming a direct connection between both banks.

The crossing was built in 1952 when Louisiana needed new routes for growing automobile traffic. Originally it served U.S. Highway 90 before later integration into the Interstate system.

The crossing links two communities with different characters, Lake Charles being a larger city and Westlake a smaller settlement on the opposite bank. Many residents cross the structure daily for work or shopping, making it a taken-for-granted part of everyday life.

The crossing is accessible only to motor vehicles, as pedestrians and cyclists are no longer permitted since its conversion to an Interstate. Strong winds from the Gulf of Mexico can sometimes affect driving conditions, especially for tall vehicles.

The railings contain decorative elements shaped like crossed rifles, a tribute to World War II veterans. These details go unnoticed by most drivers, as they are difficult to spot at highway speed.