Page 94 - Experience Magazine Fall 2023

CROSSING THE CAUSEWAY

THE MESMERIZING DRIVE
ACROSS LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN

Following the exciting September 28-30 New Orleans Case of Benjamin Button.” Since 1969, it has held the
Auction, what better way to celebrate your winning esteemed title, as recognized by the Guinness World
bid than by taking your newly acquired collector Records, of being the longest bridge over continuous
car for a Sunday spin? Situated just 9 miles from the water worldwide. Both the north- and southbound
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center lies bridges are supported by an impressive array of 9,500
the entrance to the Northward Lake Pontchartrain concrete pilings. A journey across the bridge in a single
Causeway. This remarkable raised highway stretches direction typically takes approximately 30 minutes.
over 24 miles, spanning Lake Pontchartrain, and Lake Pontchartrain is an expansive brackish estuary
serves as the connection between Metairie, a suburb that boasts a unique blend of slightly salty water
of New Orleans, and the historic community of due to its connection with various Northshore rivers,
Mandeville, Louisiana.
bayous and the Gulf of Mexico through the Rigolets
The causeway initially welcomed its first visitors in Strait and Lake Borgne. Covering approximately 630
1956 and subsequently celebrated a second grand square miles, this remarkable body of water spans
opening in 1969. Throughout the years, the causeway around 40 miles from east to west and 24 miles from
has emerged as an iconic structure, garnering north to south. Its average depth ranges between 12
mentions in various books, songs and even making and 14 feet, making it a notable aquatic environment.
appearances in notable films such as “The Curious

94 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE FALL 2023