Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: Sep. 7, 2007

Contact:  LTJG Christian Barger
(314) 269-2573

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REOPENED TO LIMITED VESSEL TRAFFIC

ST. LOUIS - As of Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard reopened the Mississippi River to limited commercial traffic only from mile marker 854 to 847 in Minneapolis, Minn.

This portion of the river was closed 5 weeks ago in response to the I-35 bridge collapse.

The Coast Guard worked with the Army Corp of Engineers, National Transportation Safety Board, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Henipin County Sherriff, and members of the local maritime industry in determining the area safe for commercial barge traffic.

A security zone from mile marker 854 to 847 remains in effect and limits traffic to commercial barges only. Recreational vessels and commercial passenger vessels are still prohibited from entering the security zone.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790