Horace Wilkinson Bridge I-10
An iconic 2.5-mile-long bridge over the Mississippi River, known for its height and as a vital commuter route.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer cars, calmer drive
Horace Wilkinson Bridge I-10
Best Time
Fewer cars, calmer drive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic 2.5-mile-long bridge over the Mississippi River, known for its height and as a vital commuter route.
"A masterwork of engineering with beautiful views of the river."
🚗 Conquer Your Fear
If you have bridge anxiety, take deep breaths and focus on the road ahead. Many find it less daunting than expected.
📸 Capture the Views
Pull over safely if possible or enjoy the scenery as you drive. The views are spectacular!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic River Views
Top of the bridge
Experience breathtaking vistas of the Mississippi River and surrounding landscapes from this towering structure.
Architectural Grandeur
The entire bridge span
Admire the impressive engineering and elegant curves of one of the longest bridges over the Mississippi.
The 'New Bridge' Experience
I-10 Eastbound and Westbound
Locally known as the 'New Bridge,' this 1968 marvel is a crucial part of the Baton Rouge commute.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Heights
A Masterpiece of Engineering
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Conquer Your Fear
If you have bridge anxiety, take deep breaths and focus on the road ahead. Many find it less daunting than expected. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Pull over safely if possible or enjoy the scenery as you drive. The views are spectacular!
⏰ Avoid Rush Hour
Traffic can be intense during peak commute times. Plan your crossing to avoid delays.
💡 Local Nickname
Locals often refer to it as the 'New Bridge,' even though it was built in 1968.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Conquer Your Fear
If you have bridge anxiety, take deep breaths and focus on the road ahead. Many find it less daunting than expected. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Pull over safely if possible or enjoy the scenery as you drive. The views are spectacular!
⏰ Avoid Rush Hour
Traffic can be intense during peak commute times. Plan your crossing to avoid delays.
💡 Local Nickname
Locals often refer to it as the 'New Bridge,' even though it was built in 1968.
⬆️ Tallest Over Mississippi
At 175 feet, it's the tallest bridge over the Mississippi River.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Horace Wilkinson Bridge is a vital, albeit sometimes anxiety-inducing, crossing over the Mississippi River. Praised for its engineering and scenic views, it's also a daily commute for many, leading to traffic concerns. While some find it intimidating, others appreciate its grandeur and local nickname, the 'New Bridge.'
"The Horace Wilkinson Bridge on I-10 was built in 1968 but is still known locally as the New Bridge. It’s wide and beautiful and does a great job for what it was designed to do, transporting interstate traffic. Unfortunately local drivers are forced to use the bridge for daily commutes, because of a lack of infrastructure in the area. During peak hours traffic is a real problem. Still it is a masterwork of engineering with beautiful views of the river."
Louis and Elaine
"I love old bridges, but every time I cross one, I think, I hope the saying they made things better in the old days holds true. This one made me nervous as traffic was stopping on top. The tallest bridge over the Mississippi River at 175 feet and more than 2 1/2 miles long. Named after 3 Horace's, father, son, and grandson."
Sharon Martin Andre
"I had no idea bridges have a comment section and now that I know I feel compelled to add my review so here it is.
This bridge has got it all. It has the looks to be a star, the brains of a Nobel laureate, and the personality to win over even the most skeptical driver. Don't get me started on her artistic curves and symmetry. Driving onto her is like returning to the womb the way it envelopes you in a feeling of love and safety. Her deck sings the song of her people as she carries you across her long elegant span. A true masterpiece."
Poor Man Sailing
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Horace Wilkinson Bridge is part of Interstate 10 (I-10) and connects Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to the west bank of the Mississippi River. You can access it via various on-ramps for I-10 East and West.
As of recent announcements, there are plans for tolls on the new I-10 bridge, but the existing Horace Wilkinson Bridge (the 'New Bridge') does not currently have a toll for standard vehicle crossings.
To avoid the heaviest traffic, aim to cross the Horace Wilkinson Bridge during off-peak hours, such as early mornings, late evenings, or midday on weekdays. Rush hour can lead to significant delays.
The Horace Wilkinson Bridge is designed for vehicular traffic only. Pedestrian and bicycle access is not permitted on the bridge itself.
The bridge spans over 2.5 miles, making it a substantial crossing over the Mississippi River.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to drive on the Horace Wilkinson Bridge. It is a public interstate highway.
Currently, there are no entry fees or tolls for standard vehicle use of the Horace Wilkinson Bridge.
The Horace Wilkinson Bridge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it is a vital part of the interstate highway system.
You can access the bridge from any I-10 on-ramp heading towards the bridge. The best on-ramp depends on your starting location in Baton Rouge.
Standard vehicle restrictions for interstate highways apply. Oversized loads may require special permits and coordination with transportation authorities.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning photos, consider viewpoints along the Mississippi River levee or from parks on either side of the river. Driving across offers dynamic views, but be mindful of traffic.
Stopping on the bridge is generally not permitted due to safety regulations and traffic flow. It's best to capture photos from designated viewpoints or while safely driving.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for capturing the bridge and river. Midday can provide clear, bright shots, but may be more crowded.
Many photographers enjoy capturing the bridge's long, elegant span from a distance, as well as the intricate details of its structure. The surrounding swampy landscape also adds to the visual appeal.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full span of the bridge. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
🎫 😨 Bridge Anxiety
Many travelers experience anxiety on this bridge. Focus on your breathing, keep your eyes on the road ahead, and remind yourself of the bridge's structural integrity. Some find listening to calming music or talking to a passenger helpful. +1
Its height (175 feet) and length (over 2.5 miles) can be intimidating for those with acrophobia or claustrophobia. The wide span and the feeling of being high above the water are common triggers. +1
The bridge is a well-maintained interstate highway with guardrails and clear lane markings. Emergency services are available in the area if needed.
Depending on your destination, you might explore routes that use other crossings further north or south, though these can add significant travel time.
Reviews are mixed, with some finding it a beautiful engineering feat and others expressing significant fear. Many acknowledge its importance for local commutes. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making the drive during daylight hours for better visibility and to point out landmarks. If anyone in the family has a fear of bridges, discuss it beforehand and employ distraction techniques like singing songs or playing 'I Spy' to make the journey more enjoyable.
😨 Travelers with Bridge Anxiety
Preparation is key: Before you even approach the bridge, take deep breaths. Focus on the road ahead and the lane markings. Avoid looking down over the sides if possible. Engaging in conversation or listening to a podcast can be helpful distractions. Remember that millions of people cross this bridge safely every year.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Best shots: Look for elevated viewpoints along the river levee for sweeping panoramas. Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. While you can't stop on the bridge, the drive itself provides dynamic perspectives. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture its full span.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'New Bridge'
Despite its age, the bridge remains a vital artery, connecting communities and economies on both sides of the river. However, its daily use by local commuters, coupled with a perceived lack of alternative routes, can lead to significant traffic congestion during peak hours. This has led to discussions and plans for new infrastructure to alleviate pressure on this historic crossing.
The bridge's impressive dimensions—standing 175 feet tall and stretching over 2.5 miles—contribute to its iconic status. For many, it's a daily commute; for others, it's a point of awe or, for some, a source of considerable anxiety due to its height and length.
Navigating Bridge Anxiety
Travelers who experience this anxiety often share coping mechanisms. These include focusing intently on the road ahead, practicing deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, or engaging in conversation with a passenger to distract themselves. Some have even found comfort in carrying safety tools like window breakers with seatbelt cutters, though this is an extreme measure for those with severe phobias.
It's important to remember that the bridge is a robust piece of engineering designed for safety. While the psychological impact of its scale can be significant, the physical structure is sound. Planning your crossing during less busy times can also help reduce stress by minimizing the feeling of being surrounded by other vehicles.
The Bridge's Role in Local Life
While praised for its engineering and views, the bridge also highlights the ongoing infrastructure challenges in the region. The reliance on this single, albeit impressive, structure for a significant portion of traffic underscores the need for continued development and improvement of transportation networks. Discussions about tolls and new bridge constructions reflect the community's engagement with these issues.
From a visual standpoint, the bridge is a striking feature of the Baton Rouge skyline. Its long, graceful span over the Mississippi is a subject of admiration and photography, adding to the area's scenic beauty.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit