Southbound, as North Causeway Approach ENDS! and the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway begins.
Here is the old toll plaza for northbound as the Causeway begins and Causeway Boulevard ENDS!
After the toll booth, we enter the bridge itself. Next stop, Metairie, 23.8 miles to the south.
To the left, one of the seven crossovers that connect the northbound and southbound spans. They are numbered sequentially, from north to south, this being Crossover #1. Each crossover features a call box and one or more VMSs (Variable Message Signs). Often, tow trucks or Causeway Police wait in these crossovers, so they can more quickly respond to an incident or breakdown.
The southbound span was built first, and as a result has poorer sightlines than the newer northbound span. As a result, while the speed limit is 65mph, speeds at night over these rises is reduced to 55mph. These advisory signs reflect this.
After the rises, the speed limit returns to 65. These signs were recently installed.
Now we encounter Crossover #2 along southbound. Note the Botts Dots - as recently as the late 1980's, these were the only “striping” on the bridge.
On this rise is an operable drawbridge. I've never seen it in use, but it is used when tall boats wish to cross under the Causeway. On the two tallest rises, lane changes are prohibited.
Crossing the grid deck portion of the drawbridge along southbound.
Crossover #3 looms ahead, right after departing the drawbridge. No VMS is present for southbound at this crossover.
Crossover #4 along southbound. A wrecker sits in this crossover, waiting to be called to action.
We are now within Jefferson Parish. The southbound span of the Causeway, when first constructed, carried two-way traffic. This turnaround was the only way for that traffic to turn around on the bridge, for whatever reason. Once converted to one-way southbound, the turnaround was no longer needed. Heavy equipment occupies what was once the turnaround lanes. The turnaround lanes underneath the rise were damaged during Hurricane Katrina.
Departing the turnaround, Crossover #5 looms about 5/8 mile ahead, far in the distance. Most can begin seeing the tall buildings of Metairie by this point.
Climbing the second high rise of the Causeway going southbound. As with the other rises, the speed limit drops to 55 at night. This high rise, unlike the first one, is fixed.
Crossover #6 is to the left.
Crossover #7 sits on the other side of the rise. It is the last one going southbound.
Here's Crossover #7. On it, a warning that the speed limit drops as you exit the bridge.
The speed limit drops here to 35mph.
Placed here is an electronic sign that tells you your speed as you prepare to exit the bridge. Cars are often seen stopped by police at the foot of the bridge for speeding through here.
END! the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway going southbound, and begin Causeway Boulevard, one of the more congested thoroughfares in Metairie.
Blurry, but this is atop the first of two high rises of the Causeway along northbound. This rise is fixed, boat traffic exceeding its clearance should use the drawbridge to the north of here. Crossover #5 looms 1/2 mile away from this point.
Another blurry shot of northbound, as lighting deteriorated rapidly. This is one shot I seek to improve. As it is, we just entered St. Tammany Parish.
Blurry shot of the mileage sign along the northbound Causeway. From top to bottom: Mandeville - 1 mile, Interstate 12 - 3 miles, Covington - 7 miles.
Still blurry... damn it. “Mandeville - Next 5 exits”
This time, it's not so much the blurriness rather than the flash... “To US 190 East - Exit 1/2 Mile”
END! the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway northbound. Immediately, you're greeted by this sign, which miraculously stayed in focus. Note the exit tab.
