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clarification: longest on interstate only - Causeway built 1969
 
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox Bridge
{{Infobox Bridge
|bridge_name= Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
| bridge_name = Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
|image=Atchafalaya Bridge.jpg
| image = Atchafalaya Bridge.jpg
|caption=
| caption =
|official_name=
| official_name =
|also_known_as= 20 Mile Bridge
| also_known_as = 20 Mile Bridge<br>Swamp Freeway
|carries= 4 lanes of {{jct|state=LA|I|10}}
| carries = 4 lanes of {{jct|state=LA|I|10}}
|crosses= [[Atchafalaya Basin]]
| crosses = [[Atchafalaya Basin]]
|locale= [[Iberville Parish, Louisiana|Iberville Parish]] / [[St. Martin Parish, Louisiana|St. Martin Parish]], [[Louisiana|Louisiana, USA]]
| locale = [[Iberville Parish, Louisiana|Iberville Parish]] / [[St. Martin Parish, Louisiana|St. Martin Parish]], [[Louisiana|Louisiana, USA]]
|maint= [[Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development|LA DOTD]]
| maint = [[Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development|LA DOTD]]
|id= BH 46720
| id = BH 46720
|design= Stringer
| design = Stringer
|mainspan=
| mainspan =
|length= {{convert|96095|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|96095|ft|0|abbr=on}}
|width= 40.0ft
| width = {{convert|40.0|ft|}}
|height=
| height =
|clearance=
| clearance =
|below=
| below =
|traffic= 30,420 daily (2015)
| traffic = 30,420 daily (2015)
|open= 1973
| open = 1973
|closed=
| closed =
|toll= None
| toll = None
|map_cue=
| map_cue =
|map_image=
| map_image =
|map_text=
| map_text =
|map_width=
| map_width =
|coordinates={{coord|30|19|57|N|91|45|33|W|type:landmark_scale:100000}}
| coordinates = {{coord|30|19|57|N|91|45|33|W|type:landmark_scale:100000}}
}}
}}


The '''Atchafalaya Basin Bridge''', also known as the '''Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge''',<ref>[http://www.katc.com/news/atchafalya-bridge-has-second-name/ KATC; Bridge has second name] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111020049/http://www.katc.com/news/atchafalya-bridge-has-second-name/ |date=November 11, 2013 }}- Retrieved 18 April 2013</ref> is a pair of parallel bridges in the U.S. state of [[Louisiana]] between [[Baton Rouge]] and [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]] which carries [[Interstate 10 in Louisiana|Interstate 10]] over the [[Atchafalaya Basin]]. With a total length of {{convert|96095|ft|0}} or 18.2 miles, it is the 3rd longest bridge in the US, the 2nd longest on the interstate system and [[List of bridges by length|fourteenth-longest in the world]] by total length.
The '''Atchafalaya Basin Bridge''', also known as the '''Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge''',<ref>[http://www.katc.com/news/atchafalya-bridge-has-second-name/ KATC; Bridge has second name] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111020049/http://www.katc.com/news/atchafalya-bridge-has-second-name/ |date=November 11, 2013 }}- Retrieved 18 April 2013</ref> is a pair of parallel bridges in the U.S. state of [[Louisiana]] between [[Baton Rouge]] and [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]] which carries [[Interstate 10 in Louisiana|Interstate 10]] over the [[Atchafalaya Basin]]. With a total length of {{convert|96095|ft|m mi km|0}}, it is the third longest bridge in the US, the second longest on the interstate system, and [[List of bridges by length|14th-longest in the world]] by total length.


The bridge was opened to the public in 1973, after actual construction was said to have begun in 1971. At the time of its completion, it was longest bridge on the [[Interstate Highway System]] and 2nd longest bridge in the country, behind only the [[Lake Pontchartrain Causeway]]<ref>https://triponzy.com/blog/longest-bridges-in-usa/</ref>. The bridge includes two exits: one for Whiskey Bay ([[Louisiana Highway 975]]) and another for [[Butte La Rose, Louisiana|Butte La Rose]] (LA 3177). While the bridges run parallel for most of their length, they merge when crossing the Whiskey Bay Pilot Channel and the [[Atchafalaya River]]. The average daily traffic count is (as of 2015) 30,420 vehicles.
The bridge was opened to the public in 1973, construction was said to have begun in 1971. At the time of its completion, it was the second longest bridge in the United States, behind the [[Lake Pontchartrain Causeway|Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge]]. The bridge includes two exits: one for Whiskey Bay ([[Louisiana Highway 975]]) and another for [[Butte La Rose, Louisiana|Butte La Rose]] (LA 3177). While the bridges run parallel for most of their length, they merge when crossing the Whiskey Bay Pilot Channel and the [[Atchafalaya River]]. The average daily traffic count is (as of 2015) 30,420 vehicles.


Accidents occur frequently near the two river crossings as both are very narrow and lack shoulders.<ref>[http://www.speedtrap.org/view/Louisiana/112446 National speed trap exchange; accidents on the bridge]- Retrieved 19 April 2013</ref> Accidents along the bridge can be problematic as the Atchafalaya Basin is sparsely inhabited. In 1999, [[Murphy J. Foster, Jr.|Governor Mike Foster]] lowered the speed limit on the bridge from 70 MPH to 60 MPH. In 2003, the [[Louisiana Legislature]] enacted new traffic regulations for the bridge. The speed limit for [[18-wheelers]] was lowered to 55 MPH, and they must remain in the right lane while crossing the bridge.<ref>"Truckers Obey Law on Atchafalaya Bridge," Lake Charles American-Press, October 26, 2003</ref>
Accidents occur frequently near the two river crossings as both are very narrow and lack shoulders.<ref>[http://www.speedtrap.org/view/Louisiana/112446 National speed trap exchange; accidents on the bridge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913023457/http://www.speedtrap.org/view/Louisiana/112446 |date=September 13, 2016 }}- Retrieved 19 April 2013</ref> Accidents along the bridge can be problematic as the Atchafalaya Basin is sparsely inhabited. In 1999, [[Murphy J. Foster, Jr.|Governor Mike Foster]] lowered the speed limit on the bridge from {{cvt|70|to|60|mph|round=5||}}. In 2003, the [[Louisiana Legislature]] enacted new traffic regulations for the bridge. The speed limit for [[18-wheelers]] was lowered to {{cvt|55|mph|round=5|||}}, and they must remain in the right lane while crossing the bridge.<ref>"Truckers Obey Law on Atchafalaya Bridge," Lake Charles American-Press, October 26, 2003</ref>
⚫
[[File:Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, I-10, Whiskey Bay.jpg|thumb|upright|Atchafalaya Basin Bridge's [[structural support]], I-10, Whiskey Bay]]
⚫
[[File:Little Tensas Bayou - DSCN0207.jpg|thumb|Atchafalaya Basin Bridge's [[structural support]]]]


== Bridge renamed ==
== Bridge renamed ==
The United States Army Airborne Forces (paratroopers and glider soldiers) was created by executive order and the [[82nd Airborne Division]] was formed at [[Camp Claiborne, Louisiana]] in March 1942. One of the main objectives of the division, and all airborne divisions was for [[paratroopers]] and glider borne forces to seize bridges for regular follow on forces to use. The 82nd Airborne Division Association put forth a challenge in 1988, to member chapters in all states, to pursue having a bridge in their state designated as an Airborne Memorial Bridge.
The United States Army Airborne Forces (paratroopers and glider soldiers) was created by executive order and the [[82nd Airborne Division]] was formed at [[Camp Claiborne, Louisiana]] in March 1942. One of the main objectives of the division, and all airborne divisions was for [[paratroopers]] and glider borne forces to seize bridges for regular follow-on forces to use. The 82nd Airborne Division Association put forth a challenge in 1988, to member chapters in all states, to pursue having a bridge in their state designated as an Airborne Memorial Bridge.


The Acadiana Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, created January 1980, in [[Lafayette, Louisiana]] with headquarters in [[Lafayette, Louisiana]],<ref>[https://archive.is/20130615201241/http://acadiaparishtoday.com/bookmark/19378785-Acadiana-Chapter-of-the-82nd-Airborne-Division-Association 82nd Airborne Association]- Retrieved 19 April 2013</ref> petitioned the Louisiana Legislature and on July 10, 1989, act 793 was passed, and the bridge was renamed the '''Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge'''.
The Acadiana Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, created January 1980, in [[Lafayette, Louisiana]] with headquarters in [[Lafayette, Louisiana]], petitioned the Louisiana Legislature and on July 10, 1989, act 793 was passed, and the bridge was renamed the '''Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge'''.


=== Welcome Center ===
=== Welcome center ===
There is a visitor's center at mile marker 121 (La. 3177), with 18-Wheeler parking. The Acadiana chapter secured funding to erect a monument to the 82nd Airborne Division which was dedicated on October 20, 1990.<ref>[acadianaairbornechapter.org/id8.htm Memorial monument]- Retrieved 19 April 2013</ref>
There is a visitor's center at mile marker 121 (La. Route 3177), with 18-wheeler parking. The Acadiana chapter secured funding to erect a monument to the [[82nd Airborne Division]] which was dedicated on October 20, 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|title=I-10 Atchafalaya {{!}} Louisiana Welcome Centers|url=https://crt.state.la.us/tourism/welcome-centers/atchafalaya/index|access-date=2021-07-25|website=Tourism-pages|language=en}}</ref>


== Bridge condition ==
== Bridge condition ==
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== Cameras ==
== Cameras ==
There are multiple cameras are mounted on the bridge (viewable to the public) at the beginning of the west side at mile marker 121 (LA 3177) east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jspview1id=7473&view1name=I-10%20@%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20West%20&view2id=7474&view2name=I-10@%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20East&current_view=2Camera (mm 127 -east)]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and west,<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=7473&view1name=I-10%20@%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20West%20&view2id=7474&view2name=I-10@%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20East&current_view=1 Camera (mm 121 -west)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061938/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=7473&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20West%20&view2id=7474&view2name=I-10%40%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20East&current_view=1 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> at mile marker 124.5 east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16458&view1name=I-10%20@%20MM%20124.5%201%20&view2id=16459&view2name=I-10@%20MM124.5%202&current_view=1 Camera; (mm 124.5- east)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061848/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16458&view1name=I-10%20%40%20MM%20124.5%201%20&view2id=16459&view2name=I-10%40%20MM124.5%202&current_view=1 |date=February 22, 2014 }} – Retrieved 13 April 2013</ref> and west,<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16458&view1name=I-10%20@%20MM%20124.5%201%20&view2id=16459&view2name=I-10@%20MM124.5%202&current_view=2 Camera; (mm 124.5- west)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061936/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16458&view1name=I-10%20%40%20MM%20124.5%201%20&view2id=16459&view2name=I-10%40%20MM124.5%202&current_view=2 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> at mile marker 127 (Whiskey Bay and [[Louisiana Highway 975|LA 975]]) east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9188&view1name=I-10%20@%20Whiskey%20Bay%20(facing%20East)%20&view2id=9189&view2name=I-10@%20Whiskey%20Bay%20(facing%20West)&current_view=1 Camera @ mm 127 east] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061850/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9188&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Whiskey%20Bay%20%28facing%20East%29%20&view2id=9189&view2name=I-10%40%20Whiskey%20Bay%20%28facing%20West%29&current_view=1 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and west,<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9188&view1name=I-10%20@%20Whiskey%20Bay%20(facing%20East)%20&view2id=9189&view2name=I-10@%20Whiskey%20Bay%20(facing%20West)&current_view=2 Camera @ mm 127 west] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061940/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9188&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Whiskey%20Bay%20%28facing%20East%29%20&view2id=9189&view2name=I-10%40%20Whiskey%20Bay%20%28facing%20West%29&current_view=2 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> at mile marker 131.5 ([[Butte Larose]] east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16460&view1name=I-10%20@%20MM%20131.5%20(7-1)&view2id=16461&view2name=I-10@%20MM%20131.5%20(7-2)&current_view=1 Camera (mm 131.5- east)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061941/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16460&view1name=I-10%20%40%20MM%20131.5%20%287-1%29&view2id=16461&view2name=I-10%40%20MM%20131.5%20%287-2%29&current_view=1 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and west,<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16460&view1name=I-10%20@%20MM%20131.5%20(7-1)&view2id=16461&view2name=I-10@%20MM%20131.5%20(7-2)&current_view=2 Camera (mm131.5- west] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061851/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16460&view1name=I-10%20%40%20MM%20131.5%20%287-1%29&view2id=16461&view2name=I-10%40%20MM%20131.5%20%287-2%29&current_view=2 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and at the east end at mile marker 135 (LA 3000/Ramah Rd.) east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9191&view1name=I-10%20@%20Ramah%20E%20&view2id=9192&view2name=I-10@%20Ramah%20W Camera (mm 135- east] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061853/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9191&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Ramah%20E%20&view2id=9192&view2name=I-10%40%20Ramah%20W |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and west<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9191&view1name=I-10%20@%20Ramah%20E%20&view2id=9192&view2name=I-10@%20Ramah%20W&current_view=2 Camera (mm 135- west)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061945/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9191&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Ramah%20E%20&view2id=9192&view2name=I-10%40%20Ramah%20W&current_view=2 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref>
There are multiple cameras mounted on the bridge (viewable to the public) at the beginning of the west side at mile marker 121 (LA 3177) east and west,<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=7473&view1name=I-10%20@%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20West%20&view2id=7474&view2name=I-10@%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20East&current_view=1 Camera (mm 121 -west)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061938/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=7473&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20West%20&view2id=7474&view2name=I-10%40%20Butte%20La%20Rose%20East&current_view=1 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> at mile marker 124.5 east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16458&view1name=I-10%20@%20MM%20124.5%201%20&view2id=16459&view2name=I-10@%20MM124.5%202&current_view=1 Camera; (mm 124.5- east)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061848/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16458&view1name=I-10%20%40%20MM%20124.5%201%20&view2id=16459&view2name=I-10%40%20MM124.5%202&current_view=1 |date=February 22, 2014 }} – Retrieved 13 April 2013</ref> and west,<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16458&view1name=I-10%20@%20MM%20124.5%201%20&view2id=16459&view2name=I-10@%20MM124.5%202&current_view=2 Camera; (mm 124.5- west)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061936/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16458&view1name=I-10%20%40%20MM%20124.5%201%20&view2id=16459&view2name=I-10%40%20MM124.5%202&current_view=2 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> at mile marker 127 (Whiskey Bay and [[Louisiana Highway 975|LA 975]]) east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9188&view1name=I-10%20@%20Whiskey%20Bay%20(facing%20East)%20&view2id=9189&view2name=I-10@%20Whiskey%20Bay%20(facing%20West)&current_view=1 Camera @ mm 127 east] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061850/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9188&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Whiskey%20Bay%20%28facing%20East%29%20&view2id=9189&view2name=I-10%40%20Whiskey%20Bay%20%28facing%20West%29&current_view=1 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and west,<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9188&view1name=I-10%20@%20Whiskey%20Bay%20(facing%20East)%20&view2id=9189&view2name=I-10@%20Whiskey%20Bay%20(facing%20West)&current_view=2 Camera @ mm 127 west] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061940/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9188&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Whiskey%20Bay%20%28facing%20East%29%20&view2id=9189&view2name=I-10%40%20Whiskey%20Bay%20%28facing%20West%29&current_view=2 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> at mile marker 131.5 ([[Butte Larose]] east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16460&view1name=I-10%20@%20MM%20131.5%20(7-1)&view2id=16461&view2name=I-10@%20MM%20131.5%20(7-2)&current_view=1 Camera (mm 131.5- east)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061941/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16460&view1name=I-10%20%40%20MM%20131.5%20%287-1%29&view2id=16461&view2name=I-10%40%20MM%20131.5%20%287-2%29&current_view=1 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and west,<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16460&view1name=I-10%20@%20MM%20131.5%20(7-1)&view2id=16461&view2name=I-10@%20MM%20131.5%20(7-2)&current_view=2 Camera (mm131.5- west] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061851/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=16460&view1name=I-10%20%40%20MM%20131.5%20%287-1%29&view2id=16461&view2name=I-10%40%20MM%20131.5%20%287-2%29&current_view=2 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and at the east end at mile marker 135 (LA 3000/Ramah Rd.) east<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9191&view1name=I-10%20@%20Ramah%20E%20&view2id=9192&view2name=I-10@%20Ramah%20W Camera (mm 135- east] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061853/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9191&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Ramah%20E%20&view2id=9192&view2name=I-10%40%20Ramah%20W |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref> and west<ref>[http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9191&view1name=I-10%20@%20Ramah%20E%20&view2id=9192&view2name=I-10@%20Ramah%20W&current_view=2 Camera (mm 135- west)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061945/http://hb.511la.org/multicamera.jsp?view1id=9191&view1name=I-10%20%40%20Ramah%20E%20&view2id=9192&view2name=I-10%40%20Ramah%20W&current_view=2 |date=February 22, 2014 }}- Retrieved 16 April 2013</ref>

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[[File:Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, I-10, Whiskey Bay.jpg|thumb|Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, I-10, Whiskey Bay]]
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[[File:Little Tensas Bayou - DSCN0207.jpg|thumb|Atchafalaya Basin Bridge - Highlighting Earth Curvature]]


==See also==
==See also==
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* {{Portal-inline|Transport}}
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* {{Portal-inline|Infrastructure}}
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* {{Portal-inline|United States}}
* [[List of bridges in the United States]]
* [[List of bridges in the United States]]
* [[List of longest bridges]]
* [[List of longest bridges]]
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

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* {{Portal-inline|Transport}}
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* {{Portal-inline|Engineering}}
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* {{Portal-inline|United States}}


{{Commons category|Atchafalaya Basin Bridge}}
{{Commons category|Atchafalaya Basin Bridge}}
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}}
}}


[[Category:Acadiana]]
[[Category:Atchafalaya River]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Iberville Parish, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Iberville Parish, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana]]
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[[Category:Bridges on the Interstate Highway System]]
[[Category:Bridges on the Interstate Highway System]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1973]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1973]]
[[Category:Transportation in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana]]
[[Category:1973 establishments in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Transportation in Iberville Parish, Louisiana]]

Latest revision as of 23:17, 27 June 2024

Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
Coordinates30°19′57″N 91°45′33″W / 30.33250°N 91.75917°W / 30.33250; -91.75917
Carries4 lanes of I-10
CrossesAtchafalaya Basin
LocaleIberville Parish / St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, USA
Other name(s)20 Mile Bridge
Swamp Freeway
Maintained byLA DOTD
ID numberBH 46720
Characteristics
DesignStringer
Total length96,095 ft (29,290 m)
Width40.0 feet (12.2 m)
History
Opened1973
Statistics
Daily traffic30,420 daily (2015)
TollNone
Location
Map

The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, also known as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge,[1] is a pair of parallel bridges in the U.S. state of Louisiana between Baton Rouge and Lafayette which carries Interstate 10 over the Atchafalaya Basin. With a total length of 96,095 feet (29,290 m; 18 mi; 29 km), it is the third longest bridge in the US, the second longest on the interstate system, and 14th-longest in the world by total length.

The bridge was opened to the public in 1973, construction was said to have begun in 1971. At the time of its completion, it was the second longest bridge in the United States, behind the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge. The bridge includes two exits: one for Whiskey Bay (Louisiana Highway 975) and another for Butte La Rose (LA 3177). While the bridges run parallel for most of their length, they merge when crossing the Whiskey Bay Pilot Channel and the Atchafalaya River. The average daily traffic count is (as of 2015) 30,420 vehicles.

Accidents occur frequently near the two river crossings as both are very narrow and lack shoulders.[2] Accidents along the bridge can be problematic as the Atchafalaya Basin is sparsely inhabited. In 1999, Governor Mike Foster lowered the speed limit on the bridge from 70 to 60 mph (115 to 95 km/h). In 2003, the Louisiana Legislature enacted new traffic regulations for the bridge. The speed limit for 18-wheelers was lowered to 55 mph (90 km/h), and they must remain in the right lane while crossing the bridge.[3]

Atchafalaya Basin Bridge's structural support, I-10, Whiskey Bay
Atchafalaya Basin Bridge's structural support

Bridge renamed

[edit]

The United States Army Airborne Forces (paratroopers and glider soldiers) was created by executive order and the 82nd Airborne Division was formed at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana in March 1942. One of the main objectives of the division, and all airborne divisions was for paratroopers and glider borne forces to seize bridges for regular follow-on forces to use. The 82nd Airborne Division Association put forth a challenge in 1988, to member chapters in all states, to pursue having a bridge in their state designated as an Airborne Memorial Bridge.

The Acadiana Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, created January 1980, in Lafayette, Louisiana with headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana, petitioned the Louisiana Legislature and on July 10, 1989, act 793 was passed, and the bridge was renamed the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge.

Welcome center

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There is a visitor's center at mile marker 121 (La. Route 3177), with 18-wheeler parking. The Acadiana chapter secured funding to erect a monument to the 82nd Airborne Division which was dedicated on October 20, 1990.[4]

Bridge condition

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As of September 2010, inspection showed the deck condition rating: satisfactory (6 out of 9), the superstructure condition rating: satisfactory (6 out of 9), the substructure condition rating: satisfactory (6 out of 9), and the sufficiency rating: 92.9 (out of 100)[5]

Cameras

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There are multiple cameras mounted on the bridge (viewable to the public) at the beginning of the west side at mile marker 121 (LA 3177) east and west,[6] at mile marker 124.5 east[7] and west,[8] at mile marker 127 (Whiskey Bay and LA 975) east[9] and west,[10] at mile marker 131.5 (Butte Larose east[11] and west,[12] and at the east end at mile marker 135 (LA 3000/Ramah Rd.) east[13] and west[14]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ KATC; Bridge has second name Archived November 11, 2013, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 18 April 2013
  2. ^ National speed trap exchange; accidents on the bridge Archived September 13, 2016, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 19 April 2013
  3. ^ "Truckers Obey Law on Atchafalaya Bridge," Lake Charles American-Press, October 26, 2003
  4. ^ "I-10 Atchafalaya | Louisiana Welcome Centers". Tourism-pages. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  5. ^ Bridgehunter; Basin bridge- Retrieved 16 April 2013
  6. ^ Camera (mm 121 -west) Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 16 April 2013
  7. ^ Camera; (mm 124.5- east) Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine – Retrieved 13 April 2013
  8. ^ Camera; (mm 124.5- west) Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 16 April 2013
  9. ^ Camera @ mm 127 east Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 16 April 2013
  10. ^ Camera @ mm 127 west Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 16 April 2013
  11. ^ Camera (mm 131.5- east) Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 16 April 2013
  12. ^ Camera (mm131.5- west Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 16 April 2013
  13. ^ Camera (mm 135- east Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 16 April 2013
  14. ^ Camera (mm 135- west) Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine- Retrieved 16 April 2013
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