Louisiana, through her people and her places, posts some entries in the Guinness Book of World Records that are both fascinating and intriguing. For starters, the longest bridge over water in the world is Louisiana’s awe-inspiring Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. It’s a bridge known to cause anxiety and excitement in the breasts of would-be crossers in almost equal measure. But the Pelican State has a few other entries that may come as a surprise to many.

For instance, Sunkist Growers and Rouses Markets in January 2022 bagged the Guinness Book World Record for the largest display of citrus fruits—not in the state—but in the world. And in 2010, New Orleans set the world record for the largest Halloween gathering. But it is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the focus of this article, that is astounding. Further along, we’ll discover fascinating facts about Lake Pontchartrain Causeway that, among others, make it such a tempting destination at the longest bridge over water in the USA.

UPDATE: 2023/05/01 13:49 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway - What To Know About Crossing The Longest Bridge Over Water

For many, driving over the longest bridge over water may be a thrilling experience. This article was updated and expanded with more information about crossing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and some safety information. Next time in New Orleans, take the time to drive the longest bridge over water in the USA.

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Is The Longest Bridge Over Water

For starters, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is 23.8 miles long. For perspective, that’s a distance that someone driving at 65 miles per hour will take 22 minutes to complete.

Someone walking at a moderate speed may set out at 8 in the morning—and reach the other side at 4:00 PM. No other bridge in the world comes close.

• Length: 23.8 miles

Of course, one may mention the 102-mile-long Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge in China or other sea bridges in the world known for their remarkable length. However, with all of these other bridges, the specific portion that runs above water is what really counts.

The bridges may therefore be long, yet the above-water portion usually falls short of the 23.8 miles that Lake Pontchartrain Causeway has set.

Yet, known simply as The Causeway, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is not one bridge but actually two parallel bridges that cross Lake Pontchartrain in the southeastern region of Louisiana—and that run parallel to each other.

But the length of the bridges is just about the same. Only a negligible 0.01 mile makes up the difference. And of course, a causeway and a bridge are technically different structures.

But it’s needless to raise a storm. The major distinction between a bridge and a causeway is that the latter typically has little or no opening underneath. Nothing much would dampen the glory of one of Louisiana’s most historic landmarks.

Related: Beautiful Bridges From Around The World

Why Adrenaline Junkies Will Enjoy Driving The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Crossing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is one of the most exotic experiences anyone can ever have. With nothing but water on one side, even more water on the other, and miles and miles of a never-ending bridge, crossing the longest bridge over water will be both exciting and terrifying.

For perspective, just picture this. Someone has driven to the middle of the bridge. On either side, there is no land in sight for as far as the eyes can go. Instead, the dark, blue-green of the lake’s surface is all one is confronted with—and of course, the sound of rippling water.

While Lake Pontchartrain has a depth of only about 14 feet on average, nothing compared to Oregon’s Crater Lake, imagining what could go wrong here, will, even in the bravest, cause the heart to beat faster.

The feeling of being suspended between heaven and earth, with nothing but beautiful views, is an experience hard to put down in writing.

Related: 20 Bridges From Around The World (Locals Advise Tourists Against Crossing)

For many people, just getting to where no land can be seen is inconceivable. No stories about Columbus, Magellan, or Francis Drake will be able to calm the heart. But for others, it’s a thrilling experience that cannot be traded for anything in the world.

• How Much To Cross Lake Pontchartrain Causeway? The toll is $3 for southbound drivers with toll tags and $5 for those without tags.

Other Fascinating Facts About Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Aside from the fact that while crossing this bridge, motorists lose sight of land for an unsettling (or is it exciting) 8-mile stretch, there are other fascinating facts and factoids about the longest bridge in the world.

Of course, one of the most famous is the duel with China’s Jiaozhou Bay Bridge for a page in the Guinness Book of World Records.

• Where Does The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Begin And End? The southern terminus is in Metairie while the northern terminus is in Mandeville.

In July 2011, Guinness announced that China’s Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, which had just been completed, would replace Lake Pontchartrain Bridge as the longest bridge on the water. Regardless of the details, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest over water bridge in the USA.

Alarmed Louisianans would point out that China’s Jiaozhou Bay Bridge had sections that were, strictly speaking, not over water. Perplexed but convinced, Guinness would create two categories, a decision that satisfied each of the two protagonists.

The truth is that properties boasting the Guinness title, such as Virginia Beach, get much attention because of such awards. And today, motorists crossing The Causeway will feel like they are in the middle of the ocean for what seems like forever.

Driving Over (& Boating Under) The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway sees extensive use by commuter traffic going in and out of New Orleans. The bridge is constantly monitored by Causeway Police, Motorist Assistance Patrol, and Dispatchers on duty around the clock. Predictably there are numerous traffic and security cameras mounted all along the bridge at strategic locations.

Along the way, there are also 19 electronic message boards providing traffic with important traffic and safety information.

While crossing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, motorists can see why it has been dubbed a causeway as it only has a clearance of around 10 feet from the average water level. It is not a dramatic bridge - unlike the Navajo Bridge that spans the being of the Grand Canyon.

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bascule drawbridge is manned 24/7. The drawbridge is not opened during weekday commuting hours between 5.30 am and 9.30 am and again between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm on account of heavy traffic. The bridge can be contacted to schedule an opening time at least three hours prior to the vessel's desired opening time. The drawbridge is located at the 16th-mile marker.

Learn more about the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway on its official website.