A motorist jumped over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway railing and into the lake Thursday morning, prompting authorities to briefly halt traffic on the southbound span as emergency vehicles made their way to what they thought might be a water rescue.

Fortunately, a man fishing nearby heard the splash and was able to get to the woman and pull her to safety, Causeway General Manager Carlton Dufrechou said. The woman was not identified.

Dufrechou said the woman parked her vehicle in the crossover nearest the St. Tammany side of the bridge around 10 a.m. and jumped into the lake. A commuter called the bridge operator to report witnessing the jump.

"She went over and from what I understand the man fishing heard her and got to her in a matter of minutes," Dufrechou said. "The good Lord put th

See Full Page