Maestri Bridge
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The first bridge built across the Pontchartrain was the Watson-Williams Toll Bridge, also known as the Five-Mile Bridge and now the Maestri Bridge; the Louisiana Highway Commission approved its construction in 1925.
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Forewarning of Significance
This map-- from the day the decision was made official -- shows the significance of the bridge in a geographic sense. The state would reserve the right to build competing, alternate routes, though no private company could do so. The Rigolets and Chef Menteur Pass Bridges that the state suspended upon making this deal would be revived and completed under Huey Long's governorship. Courtesy of The Times-Picayune
Opened to Public
Published the day that the bridge opened to public, the photographs depict the bridge essentially completed. Toll charges were initially $1.25 plus a ten-cent state tax and a ten-cent per extra passenger charge. Courtesy of The Times-Picayune
Pontchartrain Bridge to be Auctioned
Courtesy of The Times-Picayune
Bridge Sold to State
Courtesy of The Times-Picayune
Bridge Sale to State Completed
Courtesy of The Times-Picayune
Tolls Ended
Courtesy of The Times-PicayuneMap
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