Danziger Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Danziger Bridge |
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Traffic on Danziger Bridge, 2012
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| Carries |  US 90 (Chef Menteur Highway) |
| Crosses | Industrial Canal |
| Locale | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Preceded by | Danziger Bridge |
| History | |
| Construction begin | 1983 |
| Construction end | 1987 |
| Opened | February 1988 |
The Danziger Bridge is a special kind of bridge called a vertical lift bridge. It carries seven lanes of U.S. Route 90, also known as Chef Menteur Highway. This important bridge crosses over the Industrial Canal in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The current Danziger Bridge was built to replace an older bridge that was constructed in the early 1930s. Construction on the new bridge started in 1983 and finished in 1987. It officially opened for traffic in February 1988. This bridge became famous for being the widest lift bridge in the entire world! Most boats can pass underneath even when the bridge is in its lowest position.
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About the Danziger Bridge
The Danziger Bridge is a key part of the transportation system in New Orleans. It helps thousands of cars and trucks cross the Industrial Canal every day. A vertical lift bridge works by lifting its middle section straight up. This allows tall ships to pass underneath.
How a Vertical Lift Bridge Works
A vertical lift bridge has a movable section that goes up and down. This section is balanced by heavy counterweights. These weights are connected by cables that run over large pulleys on tall towers. When a ship needs to pass, the bridge operator lifts the middle part. This creates a clear path for boats.
Who Was Alfred Danziger?
The Danziger Bridge is named after Alfred Danziger. He was a well-known lawyer and businessman from New Orleans. He held important roles in the city and state government. For example, he worked as a lawyer for Governor Huey Long. He also served as an assistant attorney general. Later, he was an executive counsel for Mayor Robert Maestri.
Alfred Danziger's Community Work
Beyond his work in government, Alfred Danziger was also a big supporter of education. He helped raise money for Dillard University. This university is a historically black institution in New Orleans. It was founded in 1930 by combining other schools that served African Americans. His efforts helped many students get an education.
Images for kids
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Traffic on Danziger Bridge.jpg
Traffic on Danziger Bridge, 2012
