Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway consists of two parallel spans running 24 miles (38 km) across the lake, resting on thousands of reinforced concrete supports. Movable sections located about 8 miles (13 km) from the northern shore allow boats to pass and briefly interrupt the continuous roadway.

Planning started in the late 1940s after Louisiana legislators created a dedicated commission to oversee the project. The first two-lane span opened in 1956, followed by the second roadway in 1969.

The structure links two regions once separated by open water, making daily crossings between the shores a routine part of life. Drivers today experience a straight journey with the lake spreading out on both sides toward the horizon.

Crossing requires a toll collected on the south end near Metairie. Drivers heading in the opposite direction pay nothing.

For the longest stretch, land disappears completely from view on both sides, leaving drivers surrounded by water for several miles. First-time crossers often notice the feeling of floating above open water.

Location: Jefferson Parish

Location: St. Tammany Parish

Inception: August 30, 1956

Official opening: May 10, 1969

Made from material: reinforced concrete

GPS coordinates: 30.19972,-90.12278

Latest update: December 4, 2025 11:00