Top 10 Longest Bridges in the US to Visit
Bridges are not just feats of engineering; they are symbols of connection, innovation, and the human spirit’s relentless pursuit of overcoming geographical barriers. Across the United States, from the foggy spans of the Golden Gate Bridge to the historic arches of the Brooklyn Bridge, these structures stand as monumental achievements and integral parts of the nation’s infrastructure. This article embarks on a journey to explore some of the most famous and longest bridges in the USA, including icons like the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana and the majestic spans across Florida’s turquoise waters. As we traverse from the east river of New York City to the picturesque bays of California, each bridge tells its own unique story of design, construction, and the vital role it plays in connecting communities. With special attention to landmarks like the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River and the awe-inspiring heights of the Royal Gorge Bridge, we celebrate the blend of beauty, function, and engineering marvel that bridges represent.
1. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana (24 miles)
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, also known as “The Causeway,” is the longest bridge in the USA, spanning an impressive distance of 24 miles. Located in southern Louisiana, this bridge consists of two parallel bridges that cross Lake Pontchartrain. The northern terminus of the bridge is in Mandeville, Louisiana, while the southern terminus is in Metairie, Louisiana. With its length, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway holds the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge over water. This engineering marvel is supported by an astonishing 9,500 concrete pilings. Construction on the bridge began in the 1950s, and it has become an iconic symbol of Louisiana’s infrastructure.
2. Manchac Swamp Bridge, Louisiana (23 miles)
The Manchac Swamp Bridge is the second-longest bridge in the USA, spanning an impressive 23 miles. This bridge connects Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 51 over the Manchac Swamp in Louisiana. Not only is it one of the longest bridges in the country, but it is also considered the longest toll-free road bridge in the world. The Manchac Swamp Bridge was opened in 1979, and its construction cost approximately $7 million per mile. As travelers cross this bridge, they are treated to stunning views of the surrounding swamp and wetlands.
3. Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, Louisiana (18 miles)
The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, also known as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge, is a pair of parallel bridges located between Baton Rouge and Lafayette in Louisiana. With a length of 18 miles, it is one of the longest bridges in the USA and the second-longest on the interstate system. Construction on this bridge began in 1971 and was completed in 1973. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge crosses the Atchafalaya Basin, which is the largest swamp and wetland in the country. It provides a crucial transportation link between the two cities and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape.
4. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Virginia (17.6 miles)
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is one of the longest bridges in the USA, with a total length of 17.6 miles. It serves as a vital connection between the Chesapeake Bay, the Hampton Roads harbor, and the mouths of the James and Elizabeth Rivers in Virginia. This engineering marvel is a combination of trestles, tunnels, four artificial islands, high-level bridges, causeways, and approach roads. The bridge-tunnel system was opened to the public in 1964 and is listed among the 11 bridge-tunnel systems worldwide. Traveling across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding coastal landscape.
5. I-10 Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge, Louisiana (11 miles)
The I-10 Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge is a twin concrete trestle bridge located in Louisiana. With a length of 11 miles, it is one of the longest bridges in the USA and the world. This bridge spans the Bonnet Carré Spillway, Lake Pontchartrain, and the LaBranche Wetlands. It plays a crucial role in connecting St. Charles Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, and Jefferson Parish. The I-10 Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge was opened to the public in 1972, providing a vital transportation link in southeastern Louisiana.
6. Jubilee Parkway, Alabama (8 miles)
The Jubilee Parkway, located in southern Alabama, stretches for 8 miles across the northern portion of Mobile Bay. This bridge, built in 1978, runs parallel to the Battleship Parkway and connects Blakely Island with Spanish Fort and Daphne. The Jubilee Parkway offers stunning views of Mobile Bay and is an important transportation link in Baldwin and Mobile Counties.
7. San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, California (7 miles)
The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, spans approximately 7 miles. This bridge connects the city of San Mateo with the city of Hayward and is a crucial transportation link in the region. The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge offers breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding landscapes of Marin County.
8. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida (4 miles)
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, located in Florida, spans approximately 4 miles across Tampa Bay. This cable-stayed bridge is a significant landmark in the state and serves as a crucial transportation link between St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is recognized as a national historic landmark and is renowned for its innovative design and breathtaking views of the bay.
9. Mackinac Bridge, Michigan (5 miles)
The Mackinac Bridge, also known as the “Mighty Mac,” spans approximately 5 miles, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. This suspension bridge is an iconic structure and a popular tourist attraction in the region. The Mackinac Bridge offers breathtaking views of Lake Huron and the surrounding natural beauty of the area.
10. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida (6.7 miles)
The Seven Mile Bridge, located in the Florida Keys, spans approximately 6.7 miles and connects Knight’s Key to Little Duck Key. This bridge is a famous tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Driving across the Seven Mile Bridge is a memorable experience, with the picturesque ocean scenery stretching as far as the eye can see.
Conclusion
As our exploration of America’s most iconic bridges concludes, we’re left with a profound appreciation for these engineering marvels that dot the landscape of the United States. From the historic spans such as the Brooklyn Bridge that connects lower Manhattan to the heights of the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia, each structure we’ve visited stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the desire to connect and explore. Bridges like the Sunshine Skyway in Florida and the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan not only facilitate vehicular traffic but also serve as tourist destinations, offering unparalleled vantage points over some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes. The construction of these bridges, from the first bridge across the Arkansas River to the longest steel structures over the Pacific Ocean, marks significant achievements in the history of American infrastructure. As we reflect on the tales of high winds, historic bridges, and the tallest suspension bridges, it’s clear that these structures are much more than mere passages; they are enduring symbols of connection, showcasing the blend of aesthetic beauty and functional necessity that defines the best of American bridges.
