Due to the low height of the bridge, Baton Rouge is the furthest inland port on the Mississippi River that can accommodate ocean-going tankers and cargo carriers.

In addition, the river depth decreases significantly just to the north, near Port Hudson.

[4] The bridge itself is currently in a poor state of repair; the girder foundations on both railroad approach spans are beginning to show hairline cracks, but engineers have assured the city that the bridge is not in any imminent danger.

The driver fell through the windshield and was crushed on a dock as his truck landed on top of him.

[3] The scars from the accident can still be seen on the dock to one's right approaching the east end of the eastbound span.