The New Orleans Causeway Bridge endured a significant disruption this morning as a sequence of multi-vehicle crashes prompted a complete shutdown of the structure in both directions. As reported by WDSU, the incident, which is being described by Causeway Police as possibly the worst in the bridge's history, included a total of six crashes—four on the northbound bridge and two on the southbound side.
A crash involving more than 11 cars contributed to a total of 50 wrecked vehicles. St. Tammany Parish sources confirmed to WDSU that 11 individuals were taken to the hospital. To manage the situation and support recovery efforts, both the northbound and southbound lanes of the bridge have been closed, with authorities estimating a reopening around noon.
The Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge was temporarily closed due to the fog but has since reopened. Fox 8 also reported on the crash site, showing a wreckage of vehicles, including at least one large truck that appeared to have sustained fire damage.
The National Weather Service in New Orleans had issued a Marine Dense Fog advisory effective until 9 a.m., indicating that visibility was down to less than a mile in some parts of the lake, encompassing the bridge. According to a statement obtained by WWLTV, Causeway General Manager Carlton Dufrechou has suggested that the dense fog could have been the factors contributing to the crash. While the bridge remains closed, motorists are advised to seek alternative routes such as I-10 East to the Twin Span Bridge or I-10 West to I-55 North.
