Calcasieu High Bridge Live Cam

The Calcasieu High Bridge, also known as the Old Calcasieu River Bridge, is a historic bridge located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States. The bridge spans the Calcasieu River and was opened to traffic in 1952.

At the time of its construction, the Calcasieu High Bridge was the second-highest bridge in the United States, standing at a height of 240 feet (73 meters). It has a total length of 5,422 feet (1,653 meters) and consists of 5 steel truss spans supported by concrete piers.

The Calcasieu High Bridge served as a major transportation route in southwestern Louisiana for several decades until it was replaced by a new bridge in 2011. However, it remains a popular landmark and tourist attraction in the area due to its unique design and historical significance.

In 1993, the Calcasieu High Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its importance as an engineering achievement and a symbol of the region's transportation history.

• The bridge was designed by Modjeski and Masters, a renowned engineering firm that has been involved in the design of numerous notable bridges in the United States, including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
• The construction of the Calcasieu High Bridge was a major engineering feat at the time, as it required the use of innovative techniques to overcome the challenges posed by the river's deep and shifting channel.
• The bridge was built to accommodate two lanes of traffic in each direction, as well as a sidewalk for pedestrian use. However, due to its narrow lanes and lack of safety features, it became known for being difficult to navigate, especially for larger vehicles.
• In the early 2000s, plans were made to replace the Calcasieu High Bridge with a new bridge that could better meet the needs of modern traffic. The new bridge, which is known as the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, was completed in 2011 and is located just north of the old bridge.
• Although the Calcasieu High Bridge is no longer used for transportation purposes, it has become a popular spot for sightseeing and recreational activities. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge to enjoy stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
• The Calcasieu High Bridge has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "Steel Magnolias" and "True Detective".

I-210 towards

The I-210, also known as the Lake Charles Bypass, is a highway that serves as a major transportation route in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States. The I-210 starts at the I-10/I-210 interchange in Westlake, Louisiana, and travels eastward across the Calcasieu River before connecting with several major roads and highways in Lake Charles.

The construction of the I-210 was completed in 1985 as a way to divert traffic around the busy downtown area of Lake Charles. The highway is a four-lane limited-access road with a total length of 12.9 miles (20.8 kilometers). It is also known for its distinctive bridge, which spans the Calcasieu River and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

The I-210 is an important artery for the region, providing access to major commercial and industrial areas, as well as popular tourist destinations such as Lake Charles' casinos and resort areas. The highway also serves as a vital evacuation route during hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Over the years, the I-210 has undergone several renovations and improvements to better serve the needs of the community. In 2015, a major project was completed to widen the highway and add additional lanes in certain areas to ease traffic congestion.

• The I-210 is also known as the Lake Charles Loop, as it forms a loop around the northern and eastern parts of Lake Charles, connecting with several major highways and roads in the area.
• The bridge that spans the Calcasieu River on the I-210 is known as the Lake Charles Memorial Bridge. It was originally built in 1951 and was replaced in 2011 as part of a major renovation project.
• In addition to providing a vital transportation link, the I-210 has also had a significant impact on the economic development of the Lake Charles area. The highway has helped to attract new businesses and industries to the region, creating jobs and opportunities for local residents.
• The I-210 has also been the site of several major construction projects over the years, including the expansion of the McNeese State University campus and the construction of the Golden Nugget Casino and Resort.
• Like many highways in the United States, the I-210 is subject to periodic inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality. In 2019, a major project was undertaken to repair and replace several bridges along the highway, helping to extend its lifespan and ensure its continued use for many years to come.