The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, the world's longest continuous bridge over water, is causing motorists to suffer panic attacks while crossing. Stretching 24 miles, the bridge connects Metairie and Mandeville, and drivers often find themselves stuck halfway, unable to continue due to fear.
Built in the 1940s and 50s to accommodate New Orleans' expansion, the first span was completed in just 14 months. Despite its engineering feat, the bridge is regularly named among the scariest in the US and globally, with around 12 million motorists crossing annually.
The southbound span to Mandeville is a toll road, taking about 30 minutes to cross in good conditions. There are designated U-turn points for frightened drivers, but reaching them requires a police escort. The Causeway Police and Motorist Assistance Patrol provide support during emergencies.
Until 2011, the bridge held the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge over water, but the category was split after China's Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge opened. The Causeway now holds the record for longest continuous bridge over water.
Drivers describe the experience as terrifying, especially an eight-mile stretch where land disappears from view. One Reddit user recalled a panic attack, saying other drivers helped them reach a crossover, and a police officer waited until friends arrived. Another compared it to 'driving on a bridge through the clouds.'
