If you live in Southeast Louisiana, you don’t measure distance in miles…
You measure it in Causeway traffic.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bridge connects the Northshore (Mandeville and Covington) to the Southshore (Metairie and New Orleans). For many locals, crossing the Causeway is part of everyday life — commuting to work, heading into the city, or returning home to quieter neighborhoods.
For visitors, though, driving across the Causeway is an unforgettable experience.
What Is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway?
The Causeway Bridge in Louisiana stretches nearly 24 miles across Lake Pontchartrain, making it one of the longest continuous bridges over water in the world and the longest bridge in the United States.
Drivers travel straight across open water with no land in sight for most of the trip. Unlike typical bridges, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway feels more like crossing a calm sea than a lake.
Many tourists visiting New Orleans search for things to do nearby — and taking a drive across the Causeway to the Northshore has become a popular experience.
Driving Across the Causeway for the First Time
People often ask: Is the Causeway scary?
For first-time drivers, it can be.
About five minutes into the drive:
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The shoreline disappears
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The horizon blends into the sky
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GPS shows you in the middle of water
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You realize you’re fully committed
Locals are used to it, but visitors crossing from New Orleans to Mandeville or Covington quickly understand why weather conditions matter so much on Lake Pontchartrain.
Northshore vs Southshore Louisiana Lifestyle
Crossing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway feels like switching environments.
Southshore (New Orleans & Metairie):
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Busy streets
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Restaurants and nightlife
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Historic neighborhoods
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City commuting
Northshore (Mandeville & Covington):
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Quiet communities
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Family neighborhoods
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Outdoor living
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Slower pace of life
Many residents commute daily across the Causeway, living on the Northshore while working on the Southshore — a lifestyle unique to Southeast Louisiana.
Causeway Traffic, Weather, and Local Rules
Anyone who regularly drives the Causeway knows to check conditions before leaving.
Locals watch for:
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Causeway traffic updates
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Fog closures on Lake Pontchartrain
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High winds
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Accidents causing delays
A simple drive can turn into a long commute depending on weather over the lake, which is why residents often check traffic cameras before planning trips between Mandeville and Metairie.
Why the Causeway Matters in Louisiana Life
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway allows families to live outside New Orleans while still working in the city. It connects two very different communities while shaping daily routines for thousands of commuters.
Weekend plans, school activities, and even dinner reservations often depend on bridge conditions.
In Southeast Louisiana, the Causeway isn’t just transportation — it’s part of daily culture.
A Louisiana Rite of Passage
You’re officially local when you:
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Check Causeway traffic before accepting plans
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Know rush hour timing by heart
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Discuss weather on the lake before leaving
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Start conversations with “How was the bridge?”
The Causeway connects the Northshore and Southshore geographically — but socially, it connects lifestyles.
And once you’ve crossed it enough times, both sides feel like home.