Drawbridge operations: Louisiana,

[Federal Register: August 12, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 155)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 43080]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr12au98-8]

[[Page 43080]]

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.

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. 98-21597Filed8-11-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-15-M