Sunshine Bridge, Cantilever road bridge in St. James Parish, Louisiana, US.
Sunshine Bridge is a cantilever structure of steel that crosses the Mississippi River between St. James and Ascension parishes. The light-colored steel trusses support the roadway over the wide river channel, accommodating both passenger vehicles and commercial traffic.
Construction began in the early 1960s and finished in August 1964, replacing the ferry services that had previously connected the two banks. The new crossing enabled faster movement of goods and people between the parishes.
The bridge serves as a daily connection for people living and working on both sides, supporting the region's petrochemical industry and local commerce. It marks the boundary between two parishes and reflects how the river both divides and links communities together.
The bridge is free to cross and open throughout the day for all types of vehicles. Standard driving conditions apply, as the structure handles daily commuter and commercial traffic.
From the bridge, travelers can see sugar cane fields stretching across both sides of the river, revealing the agricultural heritage woven into the landscape. This view underscores how the crossing links farming regions and industrial zones.
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