[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 117 (Thursday, June 18, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 33248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16237]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD 08-98-029]


Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Ouachita River, Louisiana

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Union Pacific Railroad vertical lift bridge across the Ouachita River, 
mile 114.3, near Riverton, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana. This deviation 
allows the Union Pacific Railroad to close the bridge to navigation 
from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 1998, and Wednesday, June 
24, 1998. This temporary deviation is issued to allow for the 
replacement of rail expansion joints on the vertical lift span.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, 
June 22, 1998, and Wednesday, June 24, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, Commander (ob), Eighth 
Coast Guard District, 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 
70130-3396, telephone number 504-589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Union Pacific Railroad vertical lift 
span bridge across the Ouachita River near Riverton, Caldwell Parish, 
Louisiana has a vertical clearance of 7 feet above mean high water, 
elevation 71 feet Mean Sea Level, in the closed-to-navigation position 
and 57 feet in the open to navigation position. Navigation on the 
waterway consists primarily of tugs with tows and occasional 
recreational craft. Presently, the draw opens on signal for the passage 
of vessels.
    The Union Pacific Railroad requested a temporary deviation from the 
normal operation of the bridge in order to do maintenance work on the 
bridge. The work consists of replacing the rail expansion joints on the 
bridge. This work is essential for the continued safe operation of the 
vertical lift span.
    This District Commander has, therefore, issued a deviation from the 
regulations in 33 CFR 117.5 authorizing the Union Pacific Railroad 
vertical lift span bridge across the Ouachita River, Louisiana to 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on 
Monday, June 22, 1998, and Wednesday, June 24, 1998.

    Dated: June 10, 1998.
A.L. Gerfin, Jr.,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, 8th Coast Guard Dist. Acting.
[FR Doc. 98-16237 Filed 6-17-98; 8:45 am]
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