Major Highways & Driving Tips in New Orleans, United States
1. Interstate-10 (I-10)
A major east-west interstate highway connecting New Orleans with Texas and Florida. It passes through the city's downtown and offers easy access to attractions like the French Quarter.
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours, especially in the downtown area.
- Construction: Ongoing construction can cause delays and lane closures. Check for updates before driving.
- Exit Numbers: Remember that exit numbers are odd on the left and even on the right.
2. Interstate-55 (I-55)
A north-south interstate highway connecting New Orleans with Memphis and Chicago. It offers a more scenic route to travelers going outside the city.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are generally higher on I-55 compared to other highways in New Orleans.
- Rest Areas: Fewer rest areas along the highway, so plan accordingly for fuel and restroom breaks.
- Toll Roads: Some sections of I-55 in Louisiana have toll roads, so have cash or a TOLLTAG ready.
3. Interstate-610 (I-610)
A loop interstate surrounding the downtown area of New Orleans, offering an alternative route to I-10.
- Potential Flooding: I-610 is below sea level and prone to flooding during heavy rain.
- Downtown Access: Provides quick access to the French Quarter, Warehouse District, and other downtown attractions.
- Rush Hours: Heavy traffic during rush hours, especially when events are happening in the city.
4. U.S. Highway 90 (US-90)
A major east-west highway connecting New Orleans with Baton Rouge and the Gulf Coast. Offers a scenic route through the city's Westbank.
- Ferry Service: US-90 connects to the Westbank via ferry service, adding travel time.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic route along the Mississippi River and through historic neighborhoods.
- Congestion: Heavy traffic and construction can cause congestion, especially during rush hours.
5. Louisiana Highway 1 (LA-1)
A coastal highway connecting New Orleans with Baton Rouge and other Gulf Coast destinations. Offers a scenic drive through bayous and small towns.
- Seasonal Flooding: LA-1 is prone to seasonal flooding, so be prepared for possible road closures.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic drive through the Louisiana bayou and Cajun Country.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are generally lower on LA-1 compared to other highways in New Orleans.
6. The Pontchartrain Expressway (I-10/US-90)
A major highway connecting the city's Westbank with downtown New Orleans. It offers a quick route to attractions like the Superdome and the Warehouse District.
- Rush Hours: Heavy traffic during rush hours, especially when events are happening in the city.
- Construction: Ongoing construction can cause delays and lane closures. Check for updates before driving.
- Westbank Access: Provides quick access to the Westbank and attractions like City Park.
7. The Causeway Bridge (LA-1/LA-48)
A bridge connecting Metairie on the Westbank with Mandeville on the Northshore. It offers a scenic drive over Lake Pontchartrain.
- Toll Road: The Causeway Bridge is a toll road, so have cash or a TOLLTAG ready.
- Seasonal Flooding: The bridge can be closed during hurricanes and other severe weather conditions.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic drive over Lake Pontchartrain with views of the city skyline.
8. St. Charles Avenue (LA-51)
A historic streetcar line running through Uptown New Orleans, offering a glimpse into the city's past.
- Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours and when streetcars are in operation.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic drive past historic homes, gardens, and Loyola University.
- Streetcars: Shares the road with streetcars, so be cautious when crossing tracks.
9. Esplanade Avenue (LA-9)
A historic avenue running through the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into the city's Creole culture.
- Narrow Streets: Esplanade Avenue has narrow streets with limited parking, so plan accordingly.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic drive past historic homes, gardens, and the French Quarter.
- One-Way Streets: Some sections of Esplanade Avenue are one-way streets, so pay attention to signs.
10. Frenchmen Street (LA-24)
A lively street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood known for its music venues and bars.
- Pedestrian Traffic: Expect heavy pedestrian traffic, especially on weekends when live music is playing.
- Narrow Streets: Frenchmen Street has narrow streets with limited parking, so plan accordingly.
- Live Music: Bars and music venues stay open late, creating a vibrant nightlife scene.
11. The Riverwalk (LA-48)
A scenic pedestrian and bike path along the Mississippi River in downtown New Orleans.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic route with views of the river, city skyline, and attractions like the Aquarium of the Americas.
- Pedestrian/Bike Path: Shares the path with pedestrians and cyclists, so be cautious when driving nearby.
- Downtown Access: Offers easy access to attractions like the French Quarter and Warehouse District.
12. The Industrial Canal Bridge (LA-90)
A bridge connecting New Orleans East with Algiers on the Westbank.
- Construction: Ongoing construction can cause delays and lane closures. Check for updates before driving.
- Rush Hours: Heavy traffic during rush hours, especially when events are happening in the city.
- Algiers Access: Provides quick access to Algiers and attractions like the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
13. Airport Boulevard (LA-45)
A major road connecting Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport with the city.
- Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours and when flights are arriving or departing.
- Airport Access: Provides quick access to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
- Construction: Ongoing construction can cause delays and lane closures. Check for updates before driving.
14. The Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO)
A navigational channel connecting the Mississippi River with St. Bernard Parish and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Flooding: The MRGO is prone to flooding during hurricanes and other severe weather conditions.
- Construction: Ongoing construction can cause delays and lane closures. Check for updates before driving.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic drive along the Mississippi River and through coastal wetlands.
15. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (LA-48)
A bridge connecting Mandeville on the Northshore with Metairie on the Westbank of New Orleans.
- Toll Road: The Causeway Bridge is a toll road, so have cash or a TOLLTAG ready.
- Seasonal Flooding: The bridge can be closed during hurricanes and other severe weather conditions.
- Scenic Route: Provides a scenic drive over Lake Pontchartrain with views of the city skyline.