Chapter 334. To authorize the Montgomery, Hayneville and Camden Railroad Company to construct and maintain a bridge across the Alabama River between Lower Peachtree and Prairie Bluff, Alabama
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CHAP. 334.— An Act To authorize the Montgomery, Hayneville and Camden Railroad Company to construct and maintain a bridge across the Alabama River between Lower Peachtree and Prairie Bluff, Alabama. February 26, 1897. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, Montgomery, Hayneville and Camden Railroad Company may bridge Alabama River, Alabama. That the Montgomery, Hayneville and Camden Railroad Company, a corporation created and existing under an act of the general assembly of the State of Alabama, be, and is hereby, authorized to construct and maintain a railroad bridge, for the passage of railway engines and cars across the Alabama River Location.at such point as may be selected by such company, between Lower Peachtree and Prairie Bluff, in the State of Alabama, said bridge to be so constructed as not to obstruct the navigation of said river and to *Proviso*.Lawful structure and post route.be provided with a suitable draw: *Provided*, That any bridge constructed under this Act and according to its limitations shall be a lawful structure, and shall be known and recognized as a post route, and the same is hereby declared to be a post route, and the United States Postal telegraph.Use by other companies.shall have the right of way for a postal telegraph across said bridge: *Provided also*, That all railroad companies desiring the use of said bridge shall have and be entitled to equal rights and privileges relative to the passage of railway trains or cars over the same, and over the Compensation.approaches thereto, upon payment of a reasonable compensation foxsuch use; and in ease of any disagreement between the parties in regard to the terms of such use or the sums to be paid all matters at issue shall be determined by the Secretary of War upon hearing the allegations and proofs submitted to him.
Sec. 2. Secretary of War approve plans, etc.That the bridge authorized to be constructed under this Act shall be located and built under and subject to such regulations fox the security of the navigation of said river as the Secretary of War shall prescribe; and the said company or corporation shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination and approval, a design and drawing of the proposed bridge and a map of the location, giving for the space of one-half mile above and one-half mile below the proposed location the topography of the banks of the river, the shore lines at high and low water, the direction and strength of the currents, and the soundings, accurately showing the bed of the stream, and shall furnish such other information as may be required for a full and satisfactory understanding of the subject; and until the said plan and location of the bridge are approved by the Secretary of War no work upon the bridge shall be commenced, and should any change be made in the plan of said bridge during the progress of construction such change shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of War.
Sec. 3. Amendment, etc.That Congress reserves the right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act at any time, and that if at any time navigation of said river shall in any manner be obstructed or impaired by the said bridge the Changes.Secretary of War shall have authority, and it shall be his duty, to require the said bridge company to alter and change the said bridge, at its own expense, in such manner as may be proper to secure free and complete navigation without impediment. Sec. 4.
Draw.That the draw provided for the bridge herein authorized to be constructed shall be opened promptly, upon reasonable signal, for Lights, etc.the passing of boats; and said company or corporation shall maintain,FIFTY-FOURTH CONGRESS. Sess. II. Chs. 331–336, 340. 1897.599 at its own expense, from sunset to sunrise, such lights or other signals on said bridge as the Light-House Board shall prescribe. Sec. 5. That all telephone and telegraph companies shall be grantedTelegraph and telephone lines. equal rights and privileges in the construction and operation of their lines across said bridge; and if actual construction of the bridge hereinCommencement and completion. authorized shall not be commenced within one year from the passage of this Act, and be completed within three years from same date, the rights and privileges hereby granted shall cease and be determined.
Approved, February 26, 1897.