Chapter 505. To authorize the construction of a traffic bridge across the Savannah River from the mainland within the corporate limits of the city of Savannah to Hutchinsons Island, in the county of Chatham, State of Georgia
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CHAP. 505.— An Act To authorize the construction of a traffic bridge across the Savannah River from the mainland within the corporate limits of the city of Savannah to Hutchinsons Island, in the county of Chatham, State of Georgia. April 15, 1902. [[Public, No. 72](/us/pl/57/72).] *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, * Savannah River. Georgia and Alabama Terminal Company may bridge, at Savannah, Ga. That the assent of the United States of America is hereby given to the Georgia and Alabama Terminal Company, a corporation incorporated by the laws of the State of Georgia, its successors and assigns, and such other persons as may be associated with it, to construct and maintain a traffic bridge for the accommodation of pedestrians, vehicles, and street cars over the SavannahFoot, wagon, and street-car bridge.
River from a point on the mainland within the corporate limits of the city of Savannah to Hutchinsons Island, in the county of Chatham. State of Georgia, upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the. said terminal company and the mayor and aidermen of the city of Savannah. Sec. 2. That the fridge shall be so constructed by drawspan or liftSecretary of War to approve plans, etc. span or otherwise that a free and unobstructed passage may he secured to all vessels and other water craft navigating said river.
That any bridge constructed under this Act shall be built and located under and subject to such regulations for the security of the navigation of said river as the Secretary of War shall prescribe; and to secure that object the said company shall submit to the Secretary of War. for his examination and approval, the design and drawings of the bridge, piers, and approaches, and a map of the location, giving, for the space of at least om mile above and one mile below the proposed location, the topography of the banks of the river, the shore lines at high and low water, and the direction and strength of the currents at all stages, and the soundings, accurately showing the bed of the stream, and the location of other bridge or bridges, wharves, landings, or ferries, and shall furnish such other information as shall be required for a full and satisfactory understanding of the subject; and until said plan and location of the bridge are approved by the Secretary of War the bridge shall not be commenced or built, and after such approval by the Secretary of War the approved plans and designs for the bridge shall not be105 deviated from or added to. either during the construction or after the completion of the bridge, until the proposed change shall have been submitted to the Secretary of War and received his approval; and theUnobstructed navigation. said bridge shall be at all times so kept and managed as to offer reason-able and proper means for the passage of vessels through or under said bridge, and if said bridge be built with a draw said draw shall be opened promptly, upon reasonable signal, for the passage of boats or other crafts: and whatever kind of bridge is built the said company orLights, etc. corporation shall maintain, at its own expense, from sunset to sunrise, such lights or other signals thereon as the Light-House Board shall prescribe; and if at any time the navigation of said river shall in anyChanges. manner be obstructed or impaired by the bridge authorized by this Act to be constructed, the Secretary of War shall have authority, and it shall lie his duty, to require said company to alter and change said bridge at its own expense in such manner as may be proper to secure free and complete navigation without impediment.
Sec. 3. That the bridge constructed, maintained, and operated underLawful structure and post route. this Act and according to its limitations shall be a lawful structure, and shall be recognized and known as a post route, upon which also no higher charge shall be made for the transportation over the same of the mails, the troops, and the munitions of war of the United States than the rate per mile paid for transportation of said mails, troops, and munitions over the railroads and public highways leading to said bridge; and the United States shall have the right of way for postal,Telegraph, etc. rights. telegraph, and telephone purposes over said bridge; and all telephone and telegraph companies shall be granted equal rights and privileges in the construction and operation of their lines across said bridge.
Sec. 4. That this Act shall be null and void if actual construction ofTime of construction. the bridge herein authorized be not commenced within two years and completed within four years of the date hereof. Sec. 5. That the right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act is herebyAmendment. expressly reserved. Approved, April 15, 1902.