Paris Road Bridge
The Paris Road Bridge serves as a critical transportation artery in Louisiana, carrying four lanes of Louisiana Highway 47 (LA 47) across the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet. Located within Orleans Parish, the bridge connects New Orleans East with the areas leading toward St. Bernard Parish, providing essential regional accessibility.
While officially known as the Paris Road Bridge, the structure is widely referred to by locals as the Green Bridge. This nickname stems from its original green paint. Although the bridge was repainted brown in 1980 and more recently updated to grey, the historical moniker persists among the community.
Key Facts
- Official Name: Paris Road Bridge (commonly known as the Green Bridge).
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, crossing the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.
- Design: A steel through arch bridge consisting of three spans.
- Total Length: 6,642 feet (2,024 meters).
- Strategic Importance: One of only four primary routes into St. Bernard Parish.
- Maintenance: Managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
Engineering and Design
Designed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the bridge is a steel through arch structure, a design where the deck passes through the arch. It is constructed from a combination of concrete and steel to ensure durability and strength.
The bridge spans a total of 6,642 feet, featuring a longest span of 702 feet. To support the structure, two piers are situated directly in the water. The design provides a clearance of 135 feet below the deck, allowing for maritime traffic to pass underneath.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Construction History
The Paris Road Bridge was commissioned to replace the previous Paris Road pontoon bridge. Construction began in June 1964 and was carried out by the Foster and Creighton Company.
The bridge officially opened to traffic on July 21, 1967, though final construction tasks were not fully completed until November 14, 1967. The total cost of the project was $12,250,000.
Regional Connectivity
The bridge plays a pivotal role in the geography of the region. Interstate 510 terminates just north of the structure. While both ends of the bridge are located within Orleans Parish, it serves as the most significant road link for those traveling to Chalmette and St. Bernard Parish.
Due to the geography of the area, there are only four main routes into St. Bernard Parish: the Paris Road Bridge, Judge Perez Drive, the Chalmette Ferry, and the St. Bernard Highway.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 6,642 feet (2,024 m) |
| Longest Span | 702 feet (214 m) |
| Number of Spans | 3 |
| Clearance Below | 135 feet (41 m) |
| Construction Cost | $12,250,000 |
| Opening Date | July 21, 1967 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Green Bridge?
It is called the Green Bridge because it was originally painted green. Despite being repainted brown in 1980 and later grey, the local community continues to use the original nickname.
Who maintains the Paris Road Bridge?
The bridge is maintained by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
What does the bridge cross?
The bridge carries LA 47 across the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.
How many ways are there to enter St. Bernard Parish?
There are four primary routes: the Paris Road Bridge, Judge Perez Drive, the Chalmette Ferry, and the St. Bernard Highway.
Who designed and built the bridge?
The bridge was designed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and constructed by the Foster and Creighton Company.