Natchez–Vidalia Bridge, Twin cantilever bridges across Mississippi River, between Natchez, Mississippi and Vidalia, Louisiana
The Natchez-Vidalia Bridge consists of two parallel cantilever structures that span the Mississippi River side by side, connecting Natchez in Mississippi with Vidalia in Louisiana. The western span carries traffic in one direction while the eastern span handles traffic moving the opposite way, allowing smooth two-way flow across the water.
Construction began in the 1930s during a major government program to build infrastructure across the United States, and the first span opened in 1940. A second bridge was added later to handle increasing traffic and to provide separate lanes for vehicles moving in each direction.
The bridge sits at a point where the river narrows, making it a natural crossing for the region's north-south traffic. Local residents and travelers have relied on this crossing to connect the two states for generations.
The bridge carries regular traffic and is open year-round for all vehicle types. Drivers should pay attention to lane markings to ensure they use the correct span, and they should exercise caution during high winds or heavy weather conditions.
The original toll booth on the Natchez side still stands with its semi-circular wooden columns, a relic from the time when crossing the bridge required payment. This structure offers a glimpse into how the bridge once operated as a revenue-generating crossing for the surrounding communities.
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