HISTORIC ARTICLE

Aug 30, 1956 CE: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Opens

On August 30, 1956, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the world’s longest bridge over water, opened outside New Orleans, Louisiana.

Grades

5 - 8

Subjects

Engineering, Geography, Physical Geography

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On August 30, 1956, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway opened across Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest continuous bridge over water in the world. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway links the urban area of New Orleans, Louisiana, with the smaller communities on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The roadway is 38 kilometers (24 miles) long, and supported by 9,500 concrete pilings. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway benefitted residents on both sides of the bridge. People who worked in the city had their commute time reduced drastically. The bridge also increases business for retail stores and restaurants in towns on the north shore by allowing New Orleanians and tourists greater access.

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Writer

National Geographic Society

Producer

National Geographic Society

other

Last Updated

October 19, 2023

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