A curving footbridge (about where the crane sits) over the 17th Street Canal connecting Orleans Parish with Jefferson Parish in the Bucktown and West End area was demolished by the Corps of Engineers in their "strengthen the levees" project. The bridge was used by families on weekend nights when the seafood restaurants of the area bustled with fun and socializing. Sid Mars restaurant was on the Jefferson side and the Bruning's restaurant on the Orleans side were two of the favorite restaurants--now all a part of the sea.
On the left, about 3 blocks from where this photo was taken is the infamous "levee breech". The Corps has now expropriated all the property around this area. Let's hope they get it right this time.