The bridge connects Orleans Parish to Jefferson Parish. The Lake Pontchartrain water level was extremely high from waterd of the Gulf of Mexico being pushed into it by Hurricane Katrina. The day after Katrina struck, the canal levee broke only a few blocks from this bridge on the Orleans Parish side and created a tsunami effect for many, many miles, totally flooding an area known as Lakeview and City Park and continuing into Metairie Cemetery and an upscale neighborhood in Metairie. The water remained in these areas for several weeks, destroying most vegetation and trees in its path. People were rescued from attics and rooftops for days afterwards. Many died in the flood.
A seafood restaurant once existed on top of these pilings until August 29 and Katrina. But, note--the live oak trees are still standing.