MSIB Volume XIX Issue 069: Krotz Spring Railroad Bridge Repair

united states coast guard

Krotz Springs Railroad Bridge Repair Efforts and Daylight Transit Closure, Atchafalaya River at Mile Marker 41.5

Beginning August 26, 2019 continuing through December 31, 2019, permanent repairs, to include the installation of a new fendering system, will be conducted on the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge located at mile marker 41.5 on the Atchafalaya River in Krotz Springs, LA. The construction will take place between 0700 and 1900 each day of the week, including weekends. As a result of these activities, the swing span will be closed to marine traffic from 0700-1200 and from 1400 to 1900 each day during active construction efforts.

For the duration of the project, there will be a moving staging area in the river that will be positioned in various spots just north and south of the bridge and in both the swing span and the fixed span immediately west of the swing span. This staging area will include multiple deck and equipment barges spudded in the river. Located along the left descending bank, approximately 200 feet below the bridge, will be a temporary mooring facility for the towing vessel and additional barges. At night, the barges in the staging area, as well as the barges in the mooring facility, will display an all-around white light. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution when transiting near these areas.

Mariners planning to transit through the fixed span immediately west of the swing span are advised to contact the Krotz Springs Railroad Bridge at least three hours in advance of arrival to determine if the fixed span will be blocked. The towing vessel LAUREL BETH will be onsite monitoring VHF-FM channel 13 and 20a.

For further information, contact the following:

Coast Guard MSU Baton Rouge Waterways: (225) 298-5400 ext. 230
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center:  (504) 365-2200
Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay: (985) 380 5370
Krotz Springs Railroad Bridge: (337) 566-3713 or VHF-FM channel 13


CAPTAIN K. M. LUTTRELL
Captain of the Port New Orleans

For a current list of MSIBs within the COTP New Orleans Zone visit: https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/new-orleans under "Safety Notifications"