InterstateTransportation Ideally located at "the Crossroads of the South", Hammond is uniquely positioned at the intersection of I-55 (north-south) and I-10 (east-west). Both of these interstates are supported by parallel alternate routes U.S. Hwy. 51 (north-south) and U.S. Hwy 190 (east-west). Additionally, Hammond has five well-lit interstate exits which make access to the interstate system easy and reliable. RailTransportation   North, south, east and west rail access makes Hammond an ideal location for the warehousing and distribution industry. Hammond's rail system interfaces with five main-line railroads in New Orleans which is less than 60 miles to the south. Hammond is served by the Canadian National/Illinois Central mainline and the Hammond Industrial Park has a city-owned dedicated rail line that  connects the industrial park to the mainline railroad. This rail line also includes a turnaround near the Industrial Park. AirTransportation Hammond Municipal Airport is the largest basic transport designed general aviation reliever airport located on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. The Hammond Municipal Airport has a 5,001 foot runway and a 6,500 foot runway which can accommodate a number of private and cargo airplanes and jets. WaterTransportation Water transportation continues to grow at the nearby Port Manchac. This shallow water port handles bulk and containerized cargo through a barge loading facility which is capable of handling an excess of 200,000 tons of material each year.