[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]]

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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.

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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