Lake Charles, LA [KNGT-FM] - For decades, drivers crossing the Calcasieu River on Interstate 10 have passed one of Lake Charles' most recognizable landmarks without giving it much thought. The original design of the bridge featured an impressive 5,286 pairs of crossed cast-iron pistols lining its guardrails from end to end. Read More: Video of what the New I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles will look likeOfficially named the Louisiana Memorial World War II Bridge, the structure was given its name in June 1951, before opening to traffic in 1952. Scott Lewis I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, Lake Charles, La. As traffic continued to grow, Louisiana added the I-210 bypass in the 1960s to help ease congestion around Lake Charles.