The Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge still feels like one of those quietly confident pieces of infrastructure, a cable stayed design that rises cleanly over the Mississippi River between Destrehan and Luling with a 1,220 foot main span and an orthotropic deck that helped it earn national engineering honors when it opened in 1983. It was the first cable stayed bridge ever built across the Mississippi and only the third of its kind in the United States, later renamed for Hale Boggs, the longtime Louisiana congressman and House Majority Leader whose support helped bring the project to life before his death. When you cross it today, it sits comfortably alongside other modern cable stayed spans like the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge in Missouri https://www.yelp.com/biz/bill-emerson-memorial-bridge-cape-girardeau?hrid=wOk22tiDDdlKU2LajFgdQQ, the Greenville Bridge on US 82 https://www.yelp.com/biz/greenville-bridge-lake-village?hrid=WGXvzX4AagbXz9LLRId8Pg, and the Sunshine Skyway in Florida https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunshine-skyway-bridge-saint-petersburg-2?hrid=cjkaRIWYK1Os9_4UOHRaDg, all part of that late twentieth century shift toward cleaner lines and lighter decks that still feel fresh decades later. Once you're on the bridge, the height gives your passengers a wide sweep of the river and the levees while the driver keeps their eyes on the road, and the geometry of the cables creates a sense of balance that feels almost serene. The parks tucked under the approaches on both sides add to the experience, giving you a place to pause and appreciate how this kind of structure reshapes a parish's daily rhythm and long term growth, and the comparison to its peers only reinforces how well it holds its own. It's impressive without being showy, a bridge that rewards both the quick pass through and the slower, more appreciative visit, and one that still carries the quiet civic pride of the man whose name it bears. [Review 327 of 2026 - 101 in Louisiana - 25514 overall] read more

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What kind of name for a restaurant! What do you do? Order Dinner and go sit on the bridge? Sure did! Nice bridge and nice small town on the river actually it was lunch. I ordered. It was a beautiful day and I ate a roast beef Poboy from the River Road Market nearby. You should try it. Lots of good food and good prices. Actually, the whole area is beautiful. Not just the bridge. By the way, you can't sit on the bridge. It is against the law. After you watched the bridge, go check out the Seafood Pot! Probably the best Seafood in all the area of New Orleans. Seasoned very well and the boiled shrimp are to die for! Check it out if you can. read more

I think this is a lovely bridge, and a design different than most in the greater New Orleans area. It is very stable. I have been over several times now, mainly when taking the back way traveling between the east side of the state to the west side of the state. There is no detectible sway when crossing either, unlike some bridges where there is a quite detectible sway. Lovely views either way, and one of my preferred methods of crossing. read more

Luling Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Luling, Louisiana

You know what? I like writing reviews on bridges. Their important landmarks, ya know? This was my first time crossing this bridge. My family and I were en route to NOLA and they closed the I-10 eastbound because of 2 fatal accidents, so we were re-routed. I told my husband to take the road less traveled. Even though it took us a bit longer to get into NOLA, it was a bit more scenic and there was no traffic. It was definitely the country roads, but it lead us to cross this beautiful bridge. Of all the bridges I've crossed in Louisiana, this was by far my favorite. It reminded me a lot of one of the bridges I crossed in Massachusetts. I hope to cross this again. I wouldn't mind taking this route to NOLA again in the future. read more

Luling Bridge - Luling Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Luling, Louisiana

Beautiful bridge! When I'm in the area I love to admire the views sometimes take my bike and ride near the bridge. read more

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The Luling Bridge is a favorite of mine. It's very, very tall. It's like a really scary roller coaster ride in that when you get on it you go up, up, up, up...it seems to go on for ages. Like you're almost afraid that when you reach the top you'll stop for a second and then go careening down at the speed of light. Maybe that's a little extreme but that's how I felt the first time going up. I was a passenger not the driver, too. So that made it a little more nerve racking. I travel across this bridge quite often because I have family and friends in Houma and this is the fastest way to get there. It's also my favorite part of the drive. The view from the top isn't scary at all to me. I think it's quite beautiful. And I can tell you that I don't go careening crazily when I'm going down it, either. Now that I'm usually the driver I've trained my lead foot to calm down on the way down. ;) read more

Luling Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Luling, Louisiana

The Luling Bridge is an odd ball in Louisiana. This bridge is a cable-stayed bridge where most bridges seem to be in the cantilever style. The bridge is also unique because the steel towers are unpainted and protected by the environment by rust. This amazes me. Currently the bridge is undergoing a major project to replace all of the steel support cables. This has caused major delays and a roadway that is quite scary to drive on. There is another cable-stayed bridge now in Louisiana (John James Audubon Bridge in Point Coupee) , but the Luling Bridge was the first. read more

Luling Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Luling, Louisiana

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This bridge is also known as the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge. It is named after the late Louisiana congressman Hale Boggs and was built in 1983. It is a cable stayed bridge that crosses the Mississippi River from Interstate 310 into St.Charles Parish. One of the most unique features of this bridge is that its towers and superstructure are unpainted and were constructed to rust to a certain degree in order to protect it. Personally, it looks kind of cool, but I'd prefer a nice coat of paint. Something about steel that is designed to rust makes me a little nervous, especially when I'm cruising over 125 feet above the water. I probably only cross this bridge once or twice a month when I venture across to the westbank river road on my motorcycle and cruise past all the plantations. The bridge offers some pretty good views, but it takes on a whole new perspective when you're perched on a motorcycle. Just this past Saturday, as soon as I crossed to the Westbank side, I immediately turned around and crossed back to the eastbank side just to experience the view and the exhillaration again. When I got to the eastbank side, I turned around again, headed to the westbank side and continued my ride. read more

AKA the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge is another bridge across the Mississippi in Louisiana. (Really I'm going to get all the crossings...that I've used eventually.) You may have used it too if you ever crossed over on interstate 310. Which is kind of odd because the bridge predates that little interstate spur. I guess the interstate ate it. The bridge is really, really tall and that's either a great view or a little scary. It's pretty new (built in the 80s) and is well maintained. One of the things I like about this bridge is that the space underneath it is well used by the parish. It includes a playground and the local animal shelter. Smart. It is smooth and well-maintained. read more

Luling Bridge - from Wikipedia - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Luling, Louisiana

If you're looking for a nice place to get some exercise, this is the place for sure! There is a levee under the bridge that man people walk, jog, and/or ride bikes. The view is amazing. read more

It' a safe bridge to go over. I felt safe on it. I went over it going and coming back from New Orleans. My son was getting married and he lives there. I think the person who designed this bridge knew what they were doing. . read more

Long before the opening in 1983 of the Luling Bridge in St. Charles Parish the residents of Destrehan and Luling, Louisiana drove onto ferries to cross the mighty Mississippi River, most were unaware of the dangers they faced as they drove their vehicles aboard these ferries since it had became a way of life and few gave anymore thought of the ride across this major transportation corridor than they would a daily trip to the grocery store, it had became a normal way of life and although it could be a minor inconvenience it wasn't that big of a deal and was worth every minute to live or work in the communities on either side of the river. On the morning of October 20, 1976 all of this changed as did the lifes of the family's of the seven-eight passengers that perished aboard the MV George Prince ferry when it collided with the Norwegian tanker SS Frosta which was traveling upriver. The collision occurred, less than three-quarters of a mile from the site of the Luling Bridge which replaced the ferry service seven years later. The Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge (also known as the Luling-Destrehan Bridge or simply the Luling Bridge) was built to counter such tragedies from ever happening again. This cable-stayed bridge is a beautiful tribute to those that lost their lives aboard the George Prince that morning. The ride across this superstructure is nothing less than amazing to me, I'm sure it represents a lot of different things to everyone who drive this route, with its unpainted weathering steel towers and mammoth steel box girders that support the roadway using two planes of cables that form a fan pattern, it's rusting patina that protects its integrity and reduces maintenance requirements since no painting is required its a true marvel of engineering. The weathered bronze color is no accident, the intention to match the colors of the muddy waters of the Mississippi far below is a sight to behold, whether it's early morning in a mist of shrouding fog, mid-day against a clear blue sky or under the starry sky at midnight this majestic structure strikes a overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, and to some fear, but no matter the emotions it produces this bridge is grand, sublime, and extremely powerful, and never was there a time when I haven't been in awe of its presences. read more

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After moving down the bayou when Katrina blew us out of town, this is now the bridge that brings me into New Orleans. I like crossing this bridge, even with the construction of late, it's still open and smooth to cross in either direction.....Not like the Huey P. Long, which sets my anxiety levels to all time highs. Coming from California, I am used to cable suspension bridges and have no fear of any sort of malfunction....All in all a good solid bridge that allows you to cross the Mississippi with the ease of a soaring bird..... read more

While I have only crossed this bridge a few times, I am always impressed with it's modern look, sleek lines and amazing design aesthetic. This sexy bridge connects the east and west banks of the Mississippi River at I-310 and is the gateway to the southern part of the state that is often referred to as "Down the Bayou". If you are headed 'down the bayou' don't miss this gorgeous feat of civil engineering. Safe Travels, Y'all! read more

I'm not going to give you a history lesson, as the previous reviews by others seem to take care of that. There is a bit of construction going on right now, but that doesn't seem to have any negative effect on the morning commute when I take it (unlike the Huey). The cables scare me, as I always think one is going to snap and the entire bridge is going to collapse. However, it hasn't happened yet, so I'm certainly not taking stars away for that. I'm just paranoid, and scared of heights/bridges. As a bonus, the lanes are a normal width, so there isn't that claustrophobic feeling that you get on the Huey. It also isn't as busy as the CCC. Overall, a good choice, especially if you like taking the scenic route once in a while. read more

I like bridges, and the Hale Boggs bridge is certainly one of the more fun ones... when you are not stuck behind an 18-wheeler. It's a tall one with a solid climb, really making you work for it, but at the top, you feel like you are part of the sky. Approaching the steel towers, however, it also makes you feel miniature. The speed limit stays nice and quick at 70mph, so when you reach the peak, the downhill cruise kind of makes you want to throw your hands up in the air in delight. read more

This is one of the cooler looking bridges that cross the Mississippi River in this great state.... Cable stayed bridge, I've heard the new bridge out of St. Francisville to New Roads is of similar construction but haven't had the pleasure to cross that bridge yet... Officially known as the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge in honor of the late US Congressman it opened in 1983 and was incorporated into I-310 in 1993... Factoid of the Macabre: 4 people since 2012 have jumped to their deaths off this bridge, one of which was a lawyer... Additional Factoid of the Macabre: Hale Boggs in 1972 was the majority leader of the House of Representatives, 2d or 3d in power to the Speaker...his plane went down in Alaska and has never been found... read more

It's a pretty cool bridge, lets me travel to and from hwy 90 going over 80 mph like Ricky Bobby super fast! (If you're a cop I'm just kidding, 70 is the rate of speed of which I travel) but yeah, nice bridge, holds up pretty well, no complaints! read more

I only use the bridge a few times a year. It's a little out of the way for me to use to cross the Mississippi River on a regular basis. It does get me where I need to go when I do use it. Once a year, you get the opportunity to cross the bridge on foot as it is part of the Louisiana Bridge Runs series. Walking or running across the bridge is definitely a different experience than driving across. Underneath the bridge on both sides are parish parks with tennis courts and baseball fields. read more

Very interesting design. It's towers were designed to rust. Although they have had problems with the road deck over the years it's been a test for new materials. It's one of the first cable stay designs in the country. read more

It's a bridge! Amazing huh? Bridges are things people use to cross waterways when they don't want to take a ferry, swim or when they don't own a boat and private launch! Now that the Huey P is less interesting and there is no toll on the "Connection", I don't know that people will care so much about taking this exit off of 90. But it was definitely the one to take if you just couldn't hold your own on the narrow version of the HP. read more

Also known as Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge the Luling Bridge is a really cool looking bridge. I think the cables make it look cool but I wish the speed limit was faster than 60 mph. I'm not sure how old it is but it's not really bumpy or anything like some of those older bridges. I really don't have a whole lot of bridges to compare it to but it didn't seem that long. Only complaint is the speed limit, I think it could be increased to 70 mph maybe during the day or something. read more

Luling Bridge - Luling Bridge- A.K.A. Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Luling, Louisiana

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My favorite bridge next to the crescent city connection when there is little traffic. Wide lanes and good visibility. Hardly any accidents. Only a five minute span. read more

This bridge is fantastic. It's goal was to connect the west bank and east bank of St. Charles Parish which it does effectively and effortlessly. The bridge made sure it was also high enough to allow large ships to pass underneath as not to hinder travel on the Mississippi River. I can only give this bridge 4 stars because, well come on it's not like it's Golden Gate Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge or London Bridge. I don't want it to get a self-inflated view of itself then before you know it will start charging you tolls to cross it. read more

Definitely one of the cooler bridges in Louisiana. Beautiful lines and a great look against the river. But they have never solved the decking problem. read more

This bridge never fails to be there for me when I need to go to the east bank. It might be one of the top ten most unsafe bridges in America but shit it's done well so far. read more

I crossed this bridge heading home from vacation. I gotta say that from the pinnacle of the span that view just made me feel so proud. There aren't many other bridges I can say that about. Next time you visit New Orleans you gotta check out this bridge. And head into Luling. Great town with a lot going on. read more

My favorite part about this bridge is the lack of trolls. Really keeps my commute smooth and uneventful.

Gorgeous, but Short bridge. Not too narrow, not too bumpy. Very bright at night! Be careful not to miss it! Definitely unlike the rest of the Mississippi bridges in the area. I really am a fan of the look of the bridge and it's suspension cables. read more

Accidentally took this bridge once, due to night construction detours that were not properly marked. It was perfectly fine. Safe / modern feeling and easy to turn around and come back. No toll. read more

They been working on this piece of s*** bridge for years.... the road is always buckled... people are confused crossing this bridge which makes it unsafe... read more

Its not golden but it is the gate to the wankerville! The suspension makes it a cool drive.