[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 146 (Thursday, July 30, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 40655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-20417]
[[Page 40655]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD 08-98-044]
Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Atchafalaya River, LA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a
temporary deviation from the regulation in 33 CFR 117.5 governing the
operation of the Union Pacific Railroad swing span bridge across the
Atchafalaya River, mile 95.7 at Krotz Springs, Louisiana. This
deviation allows the Union Pacific Railroad to close the bridge to
navigation from 7 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 1998 through 6 p.m. on
Sunday, August 23, 1998. This temporary deviation is issued to allow
for the replacement of the electric motors, gears and associated
machinery of the swing span operating mechanism.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday, August 17,
1998 through 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Phil Johnson, 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 swing span bridge
across the Atchafalaya River, mile 95.7 at Krotz Springs, Louisiana has
a vertical clearance of 6 feet above mean high water, elevation 38.5
feet Mean Sea Level, in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited
clearance 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.
On June 1, 1998, the Coast Guard issued a temporary deviation from
the regulation governing the operation of the draw to allow it to
remain closed to navigation from 7 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 1998
through 6 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 1998. This temporary deviation was
issued to allow for the replacement of the electric motors, gears and
associated machinery of the swing span operating mechanism. However,
the contractor was unable to mobilize for reasons including contract
negotiations and delays in material deliveries. The previous temporary
deviation is hereby cancelled. The Union Pacific Railroad requested the
Coast Guard issue an additional temporary deviation to allow the work
to begin on August 17, 1998 and to continue through August 23, 1998.
The deteriorated condition of the bridge warrants the closure so that
remedial work can be accomplished. The work consists of replacing the
electric motors, gears and other components of the operating machinery.
This work is essential for the continued operation of the swing span.
Alternate navigation routes are available. Mariners may transit the
Atchafalaya River to the site of the bridge from both upstream via the
Red River and Mississippi River and from downstream via Atchafalaya
Bay.
The District Commander has, therefore, issued a deviation from the
regulations in 33 CFR 117.5 authorizing the Union Pacific Railroad
swing span bridge across the Atchafalaya River, mile 95.7 at Krotz
Springs, Louisiana to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from
7 a.m. on August 17, 1998 through 6 p.m. on August 23, 1998.
Dated: July 21, 1998.
Paul J. Pluta,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 98-20417 Filed 7-29-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M