Chef Menteur Pass facts for kids
The Chef Menteur Pass is a narrow natural waterway in New Orleans, Louisiana. It acts like a connector, linking Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne. This pass, along with another waterway called the Rigolets, was once very important. In the past, many ships carrying goods from the Gulf of Mexico would sail through here. They would use the pass and the Rigolets to reach Lake Pontchartrain and then travel to New Orleans and other nearby towns.
30°5′45″N 89°48′52″W / 30.09583°N 89.81444°W
The area around Chef Menteur Pass is home to a few neighborhoods. On the east side of the pass, you'll find the Lake Catherine neighborhood. To the west, there is the Venetian Isles neighborhood.
Important Landmarks and Bridges
For a long time, the Chef Menteur Pass was protected by a fort. This fort was called Fort Macomb. Today, it is an old, abandoned ruin located on the western side of the pass.
Two bridges cross over the Chef Menteur Pass, making it easier to travel across.
- U.S. Highway 90 Bridge: This bridge was built in 1929. It carries U.S. Highway 90, a major road. The part of this road between central New Orleans and the pass was once known as "Chef Menteur Road." Some parts are still called "Chef Menteur Highway."
- CSX Railroad Bridge: A short distance south of the highway bridge, you'll find the CSX railroad bridge. This bridge is used by trains.
Impact of Hurricane Katrina
In 2005, a very strong storm named Hurricane Katrina hit this area hard. The Chef Menteur Pass and its bridges were greatly affected.
The Highway 90 bridge played a crucial role after the hurricane. It was the only bridge open right after the storm hit on August 29, 2005. It stayed open for some time to help people from Slidell get to New Orleans. It also helped people access major highways like I-10 East, I-12 West, and I-59 North. Repairs to the Highway 90 bridge were finished in August 2006.
