I’m really glad that I don’t drive over the Spillway in rush hour very often. Because even though it’s 2 lanes in each direction in a STRAIGHTLINE, people are dumb. But it can be a really pretty drive when the traffic is light and the weather is right. Favorite spillway memories: 1. commuting to BR to get my graduate degree, and on the way home seeing the biggest brightest spring moon rise ever. It was like a blessing. 2. They opened the spillway for flood control when I was a little kid. My Mom decided we should go see so she loaded me, bro2 and bro3 in our old Volkswagon van. We’re driving back and there are a bajillion crawfish crossing the highway so my Mom stops and we all run along the shoulder by headlight and scoop up crawfish into the van so we can boil them later. I don’t really remember much about the spillway being open except rushing water. Kids. They’re just unappreciative. Now the crawfish and the mosquito bites, that I remember.
John L. H.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 New Orleans, LA
When people think of the Bonnet Carre Spillway they usually think one of three things. I will so my best to detail all three so you can decide where you stand. If you think something other than these things, I can’t help you. 1. Traffic — if your from the New Orleans area and ever listen to traffic reports, you have heard about the Bonnet Carre. Traffic heading into, and out of the city frequently backs up along the I-10 and HWY61 as they pass through the spillway. I’m not sure why there always seems to be a delay, but I suspect it has to do with number 3. 2. Flood Control — The spillways actual purpose is to divert floodwater from the Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain and from there into the Gulf. This function protects the city and has saved us on many occasions. Most recently in 2011 when nearly all of the spillways bays were opened. Back then it was quite the site to behold as that brown river water rushed into the lake eventually turning the lake from brackish to nearly fresh water and a deep blue to brown and muddy. 3. Muddin — when I think of the spillway my first thoughts are the miles and miles of dirt roads. While off road vehicles are discouraged from tear assing down these roads, they are perfect for off roading. Even if you’re in a two wheel drive vehicle, you can explore this massive off road paradise. On my most recent trip I was driving slowly through some whoop de doos when an old Maxima came barreling through nearly losing control. That’s right, use caution because you may run into some backwoods rednecks. I also found some nice thick mud next to some train tracks on my last trip. Since I am a guy who likes helping people, I decided to drive through the mud slow checking to make sure it was safe for others. Not only was it safe, but it was incredibly fun. So fun that I think that’s why the traffic backs up on the interstate. Everyone looks out longingly at all that mud and forgets their driving at highway speeds. I hope that helps you understand a little about the spillway. Next time you’re in the area, I encourage you to check it out.
