Spanning the Mississippi River between East Baton Rouge Parish and West Baton Rouge Parish, the Huey P. Long – O.K. Allen Bridge is a historic truss cantilever structure locally known as "the old bridge." Carrying US 190 (Airline Highway) and a rail line, it holds a unique place in regional history as the only bridge crossing the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge from its opening until April 1968.
Beyond its transportation role, the bridge marks a critical geographic boundary: because of its low height and the shallow river depths to the north near Port Hudson, Baton Rouge serves as the furthest inland port on the Mississippi capable of handling ocean-going cargo ships and tankers. As you cross or view this iconic structure, you can appreciate its long history, including its former 1960s orange paint job designed to match aluminum oxide dust from a local plant, before it was restored to its original light gray between 2014 and 2016. Film buffs will also recognize the bridge from its appearance in the 1982 Richard Pryor movie, The Toy.
It offers a fascinating glimpse into Louisiana's industrial heritage and riverfront history.
What to see at Huey P. Long Bridge (Baton Rouge)
- Historic truss cantilever bridge locally called "the old bridge"
- Carries US 190 highway lanes and a rail line over the Mississippi River
- Marks the furthest inland port on the Mississippi River for ocean-going tankers
- Features visible scars on a dock below from a notable 1945 truck accident
- Featured in the 1982 Richard Pryor film, The Toy
Visiting tips
Drive carefully across the bridge, as its lanes are narrow and it has a tendency to ice over during cold weather.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Huey P. Long Bridge (Baton Rouge) is easy to reach on Baton Rouge’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Baton Rouge travel guide.
See the full Baton Rouge travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.