[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 155 (Wednesday, August 12, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 43080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-21597]



[[Page 43080]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD 08-98-048]


Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Ouachita River, Louisiana

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulation.

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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 Tuesday, August 25, 1998. This temporary 
deviation is issued to allow for the replacement of rail expansion 
joints on the vertical life span.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 
August 25, 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. These joints are on the opposite end of the bridge from those 
that were replaced in June of this year. This work is essential for the 
continued safe operation of the vertical lift span.
    The 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 
Tuesday, August 25, 1998.

    Dated: August 4, 1998.
Paul J. Pluta,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 98-21597 Filed 8-11-98; 8:45 am]
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