Louisiana Parishes with the Most Bridges – How Many Are Unsafe?

Motorists who wind their way along the bumpy roads and highways that make up Louisiana are usually quick to notice one thing. That thing is this. Louisiana has a lot of roadways that have to go over things. In most cases the things we have to go over involve water.

Two of our state's most impressive bridges, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge on I-10 and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway are well-known outside of Louisiana. The causeway is famous because of its length and the fact that it's the gateway to New Orleans. The Basin Bridge is famous for being infamous. The almost 20-mile-long structure has been the scene of numerous crashes and mishaps since it was constructed.

There are two other bridges of note in the state, both of which span rivers on I-10. Both bridges are reportedly on their way out as well. Plans for a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles over the Calcasieu River may have hit a bump in the road with lawmakers. But, the plans for a new bridge over the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge are reported to be still moving in a very positive direction.

That now brings us to all of the middle-sized and much smaller bridges that most of us cross at least each day on our way to work and school. Think about how many bridges you cross. Now think about how many of those might not be technically safe for traffic. When you see the numbers you'll be alarmed. Or at least a lot more vigilant when you cross any bridge over any coolie, creek, or bayou where you drive.