Though the bridge's ballast and accompanying railroad track was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, the structure remained and subsequently underwent major repairs.

The span carries 6 lanes of traffic as well as a 12-foot (3.7 m) path for pedestrians and bicyclists on the Gulf side of the bridge.

After the bridge's destruction from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the MDOT tasked the reconstruction of the bridge to GC Constructors and its subcontractor Parsons for $339 million.

The new bridge is 129 feet wide, with three lanes of traffic in each direction, as well as a 12 ft pedestrian & cyclist path on the south facing side of the bridge.

The new bridge is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and waves similar to those of Katrina.