> I find bridges intriguing. There are so many different types. I guess the design depends on what you want them to do.
>
> On a recent trip to Louisiana, I got on a bridge and drove 18 miles before coming back to dry land. The key word here is "dry," because this bridge was crossing a swamp full of trees. It was built on concrete columns that were standing in water. It appeared that a channel had been cut through the swamp along the route the bridge was to follow. Then, probably working from barges, the columns were put in place in rows on both sides of the channel. Two lanes were built on each side, and there you have it; Interstate 55. The first 18 miles going north from I-10 are a bridge. To your right is Lake Pontchartrain, but you can't see it, and on your left is Lake Maurepas which is visible for a while.
> Howard

I've been across that bridge!! We kept calling the swamp surrounding it the Gucky Muck. I was in high school and in love with a sousaphone player at the time. My stepmother decided I would have a very happy life if I were stuck in the Gucky Muck in one of those little shanties built on poles, with nothing but some corn nuts and a sousaphone player.

Maybe she was right.

Mous