We have had trouble in the past with the bridge operator. The bridge was closed and he told us to Violet Canal to get access to the Lake. As we began to leave, he opened the bridge of a commercial tug. To say the least we shot through on the opposite side from the Tug. I can understand if a train is coming that the bridge stays closed until after it passes. We kept watching and never saw a train cross the bridge. He was being a dick. What is the responsibility for the operators to open the bridge is no train is coming? We are getting to make another passage across the Gulf and really don't want any hassel from this guy.
Riglots-Railroad Swing Bridge
- Thread starter Soldier
- Start date
Does U.S. Army Corp of Engineers have any say here?
Thought they were the controlling activity re navigable waterways.
Thought they were the controlling activity re navigable waterways.
While bridges over navigable waters are required to open, the time frame allowed to the bridge operator may not be helpful. There is a railroad bridge over the Susquehanna river that must open upon request, but the request must be given 24 hours in advance. To open that bridge is quite a production to cut the tracks, turn the bridge, then weld it back together at the end. Obviously that's not what's going on with the OP's bridge, but it suggests that there might not be a legal requirement to open promptly.
