Calcasieu River Bridge Live Cam

The Calcasieu River Bridge is a historic bridge located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the United States. The bridge spans the Calcasieu River and connects the east and west sides of Lake Charles.

The original Calcasieu River Bridge was constructed in 1911 as a toll bridge by the Calcasieu Bridge Company. The bridge was a steel truss structure that had a wooden plank roadway. At the time of its construction, it was the longest toll bridge in Louisiana.

In 1941, the Louisiana Highway Commission purchased the bridge from the Calcasieu Bridge Company and removed the tolls. The wooden plank roadway was also replaced with a concrete surface.

During World War II, the Calcasieu River Bridge was a vital transportation route for military personnel and supplies. In 1943, the bridge was temporarily closed to allow for the construction of a new drawbridge to accommodate larger vessels.

In the 1950s, plans were made to replace the aging bridge with a new four-lane bridge. The new bridge was constructed parallel to the old bridge and was opened to traffic in 1951.

The original Calcasieu River Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in 1951 and was used as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge until 1979. In 1983, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2005, the Calcasieu River Bridge was closed for several weeks following Hurricane Rita, which caused significant damage to the bridge. The bridge was subsequently repaired and reopened to traffic.

Today, the Calcasieu River Bridge is a major transportation route in the Lake Charles area and is an important part of the region's history and infrastructure.

Calcasieu River Bridge Geography

The Calcasieu River Bridge is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the United States. The bridge spans the Calcasieu River, which is a 200-mile long river that runs through southwestern Louisiana and drains into the Gulf of Mexico.

The bridge connects the east and west sides of Lake Charles, which is the fifth largest city in Louisiana. Lake Charles is located in Calcasieu Parish and is situated approximately 30 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico.

The Calcasieu River Bridge is located on the main route for Interstate 10, which is a major east-west highway that spans the southern United States from California to Florida. The bridge is also part of U.S. Highway 90, which runs parallel to Interstate 10 and connects the cities along the Gulf Coast.

The Calcasieu River Bridge is a prominent landmark in the Lake Charles area and is visible from many parts of the city. The bridge's location on the Calcasieu River offers scenic views of the river and surrounding wetlands. The area surrounding the bridge is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, herons, and bald eagles.

Calcasieu River

The Calcasieu River is a 200-mile long river that flows through southwestern Louisiana in the United States. The river begins in Vernon Parish and flows southward through Allen, Beauregard, and Calcasieu parishes before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

The Calcasieu River is an important source of water for the region and is used for industrial, agricultural, and recreational purposes. The river is also home to a variety of fish and wildlife, including alligator gar, catfish, and numerous bird species.

In addition to its ecological significance, the Calcasieu River has played an important role in the history and economy of the region. The river was used by Native American tribes for transportation and fishing, and later by European settlers for logging and shipping. In the early 20th century, the Calcasieu River was an important transportation route for the region's timber industry.

Today, the Calcasieu River continues to be an important part of the economy and culture of southwestern Louisiana. The river is used for recreational activities such as boating and fishing, and the surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The Calcasieu River is also an important shipping channel, with the Port of Lake Charles located near its mouth.

The Calcasieu River basin covers an area of approximately 5,200 square miles and includes several smaller tributaries, including the West Fork Calcasieu River, the East Fork Calcasieu River, and the Whisky Chitto Creek. The river's drainage basin encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and prairies.

The Calcasieu River is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. The river and its surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including alligator gar, catfish, and numerous bird species.

The Calcasieu River is also an important part of the region's transportation network. The river is navigable for about 36 miles, from its mouth to the city of Lake Charles. The Port of Lake Charles, which is located near the river's mouth, is one of the busiest ports in Louisiana and serves as an important gateway for the region's petrochemical industry.

Overall, the Calcasieu River and its basin are an important part of the geography, ecology, and economy of southwestern Louisiana.