Huey P. Long Bridge US 190
A historic engineering marvel offering scenic Mississippi River views, this iconic bridge is a vital crossing with a rich past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and safest crossing
Huey P. Long Bridge US 190
Best Time
Best views and safest crossing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic engineering marvel offering scenic Mississippi River views, this iconic bridge is a vital crossing with a rich past.
"It's still a super cool old bridge, completed August 1940."
🚗 Drive with Caution
Lanes are narrow, so keep both hands on the wheel and adhere to the 50 MPH speed limit. :car:
❄️ Avoid Icy Conditions
The bridge may close during icy weather. Check conditions before you travel. :snowflake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mississippi River Views
Along the bridge deck
Experience breathtaking vistas of the mighty Mississippi River and surrounding landscapes as you cross.
Historic Railroad Tracks
Center of the bridge
Observe the unique dual-track railroad running down the middle, a reminder of the bridge's engineering past.
Architectural Grandeur
The entire bridge structure
Admire the impressive scale and design of this historic engineering accomplishment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Huey P. Long Bridge
A Historic Engineering Marvel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
Lanes are narrow, so keep both hands on the wheel and adhere to the 50 MPH speed limit. :car:
❄️ Avoid Icy Conditions
The bridge may close during icy weather. Check conditions before you travel. :snowflake:
📸 Capture the Views
Enjoy the scenic Mississippi River vistas, but focus on driving first. :camerawithflash:
🛤️ Appreciate the History
This bridge was once the longest high-level railroad bridge globally. :historic_building:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Lanes are narrow, so keep both hands on the wheel and adhere to the 50 MPH speed limit. :car:
❄️ Avoid Icy Conditions
The bridge may close during icy weather. Check conditions before you travel. :snowflake:
📸 Capture the Views
Enjoy the scenic Mississippi River vistas, but focus on driving first. :camerawithflash:
🛤️ Appreciate the History
This bridge was once the longest high-level railroad bridge globally. :historic_building:
➡️ Consider Detour
Less traffic than I-10, making it a worthwhile alternative crossing. :road:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Huey P. Long Bridge for its historical significance and impressive Mississippi River views, often finding it a less congested alternative to I-10. However, the narrow lanes and lack of a shoulder are frequently cited as drawbacks, requiring careful driving, especially in adverse weather.
"Locally it’s known as the Old Bridge and originally the uprights on the guardrails had fleur dis lis on them, which made them resemble swords. This fascinated me as a child. Unfortunately, to save money, these were left off when the bridge was widened. It’s still a super cool old bridge, completed August 1940."
Louis and Elaine
"Very cool bridge well maintained I like the fact that there’s two railroad tracks running down the middle, but there’s no shoulder. That’s the bad part. There was a truck broke down while I had a flat tire. He couldn’t no place for him to pull over."
Nevin Marshall
"Yes, the lanes are narrow, but as long as you keep both hands on the wheel and do not go over the speed limit of 50 MPH (80 km/h), you'll be fine. The only time I would not recommend the bridge is during icy weather, but the state will usually close the bridge during such conditions. Less traffic than Interstate 10, so it is well worth the detour if you must cross Old Man River."
David Steinle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Huey P. Long Bridge US 190 is accessible via US 190. It serves as a crucial crossing point over the Mississippi River, connecting areas on both sides. Travelers often use it as an alternative to Interstate 10 for a potentially less congested route.
While not officially designated as a scenic route, the bridge offers impressive views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding landscape, making the crossing itself a scenic experience.
Yes, Amtrak's Sunset Limited train travels across the Huey P. Long Bridge, offering a unique perspective from the rails.
Access points to the bridge are typically well-marked from connecting highways. For specific directions, it's best to use a GPS navigation app that accounts for real-time traffic.
While Amtrak trains utilize the bridge, there isn't typically public bus transportation that crosses this specific bridge. It's primarily for vehicular and rail traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no toll to cross the Huey P. Long Bridge. It is a free public roadway and railway crossing.
The bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular and rail traffic, as it is a permanent part of the transportation infrastructure.
No, you do not need to book tickets to drive across the Huey P. Long Bridge. It is a public road accessible to all vehicles.
The primary restriction is for safety during severe weather, particularly icy conditions, when the bridge may be temporarily closed by the state.
The Huey P. Long Bridge is not designed for pedestrian or bicycle traffic. Access is restricted to vehicles and trains.
📸 📸 Photography
Great vantage points can be found from the riverbanks on either side of the bridge, or from elevated positions in nearby areas. Capturing it with a train crossing adds a dynamic element.
It is strongly advised against taking photos while driving on the bridge due to narrow lanes and safety concerns. Pull over to a safe location off the bridge if you wish to photograph it.
Photos taken from a distance that showcase the entire span, or close-ups of the intricate structural elements, can highlight its engineering marvel.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting for bridge photography. Daytime offers clear views of the structure and river.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. Always check current regulations before flying a drone in the vicinity of the bridge.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The speed limit on the Huey P. Long Bridge is 50 MPH (80 km/h). Adhering to this limit is crucial due to the narrow lanes.
Yes, the lanes on the Huey P. Long Bridge are known to be narrow, and there is no shoulder for vehicles to pull over onto in case of a breakdown.
If your vehicle breaks down on the bridge, it can be challenging due to the lack of a shoulder. It's advisable to have roadside assistance contact information readily available. State authorities will likely assist in clearing the obstruction.
Stopping on the bridge is not permitted for safety reasons. You can enjoy the views as you drive across, but do not stop your vehicle.
The bridge is accessible for most vehicles, including trucks, but drivers should be mindful of the lane width and exercise caution.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Engineering
The bridge's construction was a monumental undertaking, spanning the mighty Mississippi River. It was designed to accommodate both railway and highway traffic, a testament to its forward-thinking design for its era. The bridge's robust structure has allowed it to serve for decades, a vital artery for transportation in the region.
Today, the bridge continues to be a functional and iconic landmark. While the lanes are narrower than modern highways and lack shoulders, its historical significance and the impressive views it offers make it a notable crossing. It's a piece of living history that travelers can experience firsthand.
Driving Experience and Safety
Weather conditions can significantly impact the driving experience. During icy weather, the state will typically close the bridge to prevent accidents.
Despite the narrow lanes, many visitors find the drive manageable and appreciate the views. The bridge's construction has been improved over time, making it a more reliable crossing. However, the absence of a shoulder remains a key consideration for drivers planning their journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit