I know Lonny means Livingston La. not Texas.:)
Which bridge are you talking about the one over I-10 industrial canal or the I-10 bridge over the river going over to the west bank?
If you are coming all the way from New York you will encounter a number of hills that are taller than either "big bridge" in NO. On I-65 north of Mobile there is a bridge that is also "big".
Now I will say that there are options north of the Lake which then allow easy drives into the city. In fact there are two state parks in the Covington area that are nice and close to the Causway. Beware though driving into NO at the wrong time of day will involve you in heavy stop and go traffic.
Oh yes, if you do come in on I-10 east over the industrial canal and want to stay at Pontchartrain Landing be aware that it will be you first exit as you come off the bridge to the right, you do not want to miss that!