description Crescent City Connection Overview
The Crescent City Connection consists of twin cantilever through-truss bridges spanning the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana. The first span opened in 1958 as the Greater New Orleans Bridge, and the second parallel span was completed and opened in 1988. Together the bridges carry multiple lanes of Interstate-grade highway traffic connecting the east and west banks of the river. They are among the most prominent and recognizable pieces of transportation infrastructure in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
help Crescent City Connection FAQ
What river does the Crescent City Connection cross?
The Crescent City Connection consists of twin cantilever bridges that span the mighty Mississippi River. They connect the busy downtown area of New Orleans, Louisiana, on the east bank to the Westbank suburbs on the other side.
When were the two spans of the Crescent City Connection built?
The original upstream span of the bridge was opened to traffic in 1958, while the second, wider downstream span was completed and opened in 1988. The 1988 span was built to accommodate the rapidly increasing commuter traffic in the region.
Do drivers have to pay a toll to use the Crescent City Connection?
No, the bridge is currently completely free to cross for passenger vehicles in both directions. Toll booths were abolished in 2013 after a highly contested local referendum voted to end the toll collection on the eastbound span.
What is the prominent feature of the Crescent City Connection at night?
The bridge is highly recognizable at night due to its extensive aesthetic lighting, which features colorful LED lights outlining the spans. The lighting system was installed to enhance the iconic New Orleans skyline and can be altered to celebrate local festivals and holidays.
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