Historic US 90 · Louisiana
US 90 burned bridge to East Orange
Original archive photographs and commentary
Charred pilings still marked the mile-long crossing when these photographs were taken in 2003 and 2005. Follow the bridge from either bank, then look closely at the timber, broken decking and wildlife among the remains.
↗ EnlargeCollection: TexasFreeway archive
Two rows of pilings trace the old crossing.
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US 90 archive photographs
Wildlife beside the bridge
Photographs: Wildlife beside the bridge
From the original collectionSeveral views of area wild life.
In the middle of the photo is a wasp nest
In the middle of the photo is a wasp nest. I hear than can be very aggressive if provoked. Guess what?...I was careful not to provoke them.
Wildlife beside the bridge — view 2
Another native is the crocodile; or is it an alligator? I didn't get close enough to ask.
US 90 archive photographs
The two ends of the crossing
Photographs: The two ends of the crossing
From the original collectionSeveral views of east end.
The second, third, and forth photos were taken on March 26, 2003 when I was passing through the area and decided to check out the possibility of exploration trip. Notice how cleaner the area is.
Looking at the boat ramp from the water
Looking at the boat ramp from the water.
Looking down the northern edge of the bridge remains
Looking down the northern edge of the bridge remains.
A look down the "center" of the bridge
A look down the "center" of the bridge. Roughly were someone traveling to Texas would be driving.
Another look down the southern edge
Another look down the southern edge.
Another look down the southern edge
Another look down the southern edge. This photo was taken on the June 28, 2003 visit. What a difference.
A look down the southern edge from the west end of the bridge
A look down the southern edge from the west end of the bridge. This photo was taken at the east end of the abandoned roadway.
US 90 archive photographs
Charred bridge supports
Photographs: Charred bridge supports
From the original collectionVarious views of charred bridge supports.
Charred bridge supports — view 1
Charred bridge supports — view 2
Charred bridge supports — view 3
Charred bridge supports — view 4
US 90 archive photographs
Remains of the wooden decking
Photographs: Remains of the wooden decking
From the original collectionVarious views of charred bridge decking.
Remains of the wooden decking — view 1
Remains of the wooden decking — view 2
Remains of the wooden decking — view 3
Remains of the wooden decking — view 4
Remains of the wooden decking — view 5
Remains of the wooden decking — view 6
US 90 archive photographs
Flowers along the old crossing
Photographs: Flowers along the old crossing
From the original collectionSeveral views of area flora.
From the original archive
US 90 history and location maps
Historical text from the original TexasFreeway archive; field photographs from the 2003 and 2005 visits. · Return to the photographs ↑
Also see Historic US90S and Historic US90 - Abandoned
"On June 16, 1973, the famed mile-long bridge was set afire. A few of its charred pilings still are visable to sightseers winding their way down narrow Old Highway 90 to its watery Louisiana end." Williams p.171
A local rumor is that a resident, in an attempt to commit suicide, parked in the middle of the bridge and set both ends on fire.
Topographical map and satellite image (1989).
(image reproduced from MapPoint® )