Transport i infrastruktura · 8.11.1994

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Red River, LA

With the completion of locks and dams 4 and 5 in December 1994 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Red River will be open for commercial navigation in January 1995. The present regulation requiring all bridges up to mile 177.9, to open on signal with at least 48-hours advance notice, would severely restrict the movement of prospective commercial navigation on the waterway and would create a burden on the bridge owners. The anticipated vessel count for calendar year 1995 is approximately 370, but is expected to increase significantly for calendar year 1996. At the request of the Red River Valley Association, the Coast Guard is considering a change to the regulation governing the operation of six drawbridges across the Red River located between mile 59.5 and mile 105.8. Bridges located between mile 105.8 and mile 234.4 will remain on 48-hours advance notice. Bridges located above mile 234.4 need not be opened for the passage of vessels. This action should accommodate the needs of vehicular traffic and still provide for the reasonable needs of navigation.