Opening Ceremony for Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project set for June 16th

It’s a makeover six years in the works, and this weekend, thousands of locals will be ready for the big reveal. The Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project is just days away from completion, and Jefferson Parish residents will celebrate the finale the best way they know how: with a big party!

It’s no wonder that folks are so excited to finally set their sights towards the end of this $1.2 billion project. It promotes increased traffic between the East and West Banks. While the business community has witnessed an interest in both the East Bank and West Bank, this project provides an opportunity for continued expansion and growth across our parish.

“This is truly an exciting time for our area,” says Jerry Bologna, the executive director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO). “The Huey P. Long Bridge has played a vital role in connecting our community over the years and the widening project will only strengthen the bond between the East and West Banks. This project signifies a future of stronger interconnectivity in Jefferson Parish throughout both the residential and business communities.”

The Grand Opening Ceremony will kick-off June 16^th with The Great Huey P. Long Bridge Run, a 5K Run/Walk that gives participants the chance to “Geaux Over” the newly-completed landmark. Racers will be shuttled over to Bridge City on the West Bank for the start of the race. They’ll take to the steel structure and finish on the East Bank just in time for the Grand Opening Ceremonies.

The festivities continue with a ribbon cutting ceremony, speeches from local and state officials, band performances, face painting and plenty of food and refreshments. Click here to register online and be one of the first people to run across the historic icon. You can also register this week at Varsity Sports in Elmwood or on the day of the race.

The Huey P. Long Bridge opened in 1935, a well-designed link between the East and West Banks that still remains structurally sound more than 75 years later.  In fact, the bridge is the only direct connection between both Mississippi River banks in Jefferson Parish. In January, the bridge was named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It joined the ranks of other iconic landmarks around the world, including the Eiffel Tower and the Panama Canal. Its storied history will be recognized at this Sunday’s celebration.

Huey P Long Bridge Opening Ceremonies – Schedule of Events:   SUNDAY, JUNE 16^TH

6:00 a.m.                              Packet Pick-up and Day-of Registration Opens

6:30 a.m.                              Starting line opens, shuttles start

7:30 a.m.                              Packet Pick-up and Day-of Registration Closes

8:00 a.m.                              Start of the Huey P. Long 5K Bridge Run

10:30 a.m.                           Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

10:45 a.m.                           Opportunity for the public to walk the bridge

1:00 p.m.                             Bridge cleared

For more information about the Huey P. Long Bridge Run, visit https://hueyprun.com or take a look at the Facebook Page. You can also email race@hueyprun.com or call (504) 669-1530 with questions.