Eight bridges span one of the most important waterways in the United States
Clearance data for eight bridges spanning the Lower Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana has been modernized and updated using light detection and ranging (LIDAR)-derived heights, NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey reported in December 2024.
The bridges are:
- Crescent City Connection Bridges
- Huey P. Long Bridge
- Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge
- Veterans Memorial Bridge
- Sunshine Bridge
- Horace Wilkinson Bridge
- Baton Rouge Highway Bridge
Vertical clearances for the bridges had heretofore been referenced to mean high water on nautical charts from as long ago as 1927.
To read the details on how the updates were accomplished and get the new clearances for each bridge, click HERE.
NOAA’s United States Coast Pilot 5 will also be updated to reflect the new clearance information. Mariners seeking real-time maximum clearance data can use the Lower Mississippi River PORTS Air Gap sensors for added precision.
The updates represent a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation. By leveraging advanced LIDAR technology and aligning clearance data with modern surveying standards, NOAA is equipping mariners with precise, real-time information to navigate one of the nation’s busiest waterways. These enhancements will not only improve navigational safety but also support the seamless flow of commerce through the Port of New Orleans and beyond.
As vessel sizes continue to grow and margins for error become tighter, these updates will play a crucial role in maintaining the Mississippi River’s status as a critical gateway for trade and transportation.
NOAA’s commitment to delivering accurate and accessible data highlights the importance of technological innovation in meeting the challenges of modern maritime operations.
