Longest Bridge in the United States, Check the List of Top-10 [Current Affairs]

The United States features some of the world’s most remarkable bridge engineering feats, with several spanning vast distances to connect regions and ease transportation. The longest bridges in the U.S. exemplify this engineering prowess, showcasing extensive spans over water and challenging terrains. These structures not only facilitate travel but also bolster regional economies by improving connectivity and access across the nation.

Longest Bridges in the United States

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway stretches 23.83 miles (38.35 km) across Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. Built in 1956 and 1969, it was once the longest bridge over water and remains a key link between Metairie and Mandeville.

The Manchac Swamp Bridge spans 23 miles (37.01 km) over Louisiana’s Manchac Swamp. Completed in 1979, it is the second longest bridge over water and a crucial part of Interstate 55, connecting St. John and Tangipahoa Parishes.

The Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge, or Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, measures 18.2 miles (29.29 km). Finished in 1973, it crosses the Atchafalaya Basin, linking Baton Rouge and Lafayette, and features a unique parallel bridge design.

Top-10 Longest Bridge in the United States as of 2024

As of 2024, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, located at Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, holds the title of the longest bridge of the United States, followed by Manchac Swamp Bridge, and Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge.

Here is the list of top-10 longest bridges in the United States as of 2024:

Top-10 Longest Bridges in the United States as of 2024
Rank	Bridge	Length	Location
1.	Lake Pontchartrain Causeway	23.83 miles	Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana
2.	Manchac Swamp Bridge	23 miles	Manchac Swamp, Louisiana
3.	Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge	18.2 miles	Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana
4.	Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel	17.6 miles	Chesapeake Bay, Viriginia
5.	Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge	11 miles	Lake Pontchartrain
6.	Louisiana Highway 1 Bridge	8.26 miles	Bayao Lafourche, Louisiana
7.	Jubilee Parkway	12.87 miles	Mobile Bay, Alabama
8.	San Mateo-Hayward Bridge	11.27 miles	San Francisco Bay, California
9.	Seven Mile Bridge	6.7 miles	Florida Keys, Florida
10.	General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge	9.78 miles	Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Alabama

Interesting Facts Related to the Longest Bridges of the United States

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana stands as the longest bridge, stretching an impressive 23.87 miles (38.4 km) across Lake Pontchartrain—longer than a drive through Manhattan!
It’s not unusual to spot an alligator while crossing the Manchac Swamp Bridge, as construction crews took extra precautions to protect these ancient creatures during its building.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway isn’t only a bridge; it also serves as a popular route for marathons and races. Interestingly, the initial plan was to build a tunnel, but due to the soft soil, a bridge was chosen as a more practical solution.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, often called “The Bridge of Sighs,” has earned its nickname from several tragic incidents over the years.
Bridges like Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge, which spans the Straits of Mackinac, are designed to withstand severe winds and include a special de-icing system for winter conditions.
Not all long bridges are toll-free. For example, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in California requires a fee.
Though no longer the longest, New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge remains a historic icon. It was the first suspension bridge to utilize steel wire ropes for its main cables.