[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 7 (Monday, January 12, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 1746]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-697]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD 08-97-049]


Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Rigolets Pass, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation in 33 CFR 117.5 governing the 
operation of the US 90 swing span drawbridge across Rigolets Pass, mile 
6.2 at New Orleans, Orleans and St. Tammany Parishes, Louisiana. This 
deviation allows the Louisiana Department of Transportation and 
Development to close the bridge for a continuous 45 day period. 
Presently, the draw is required to open on signal. This temporary 
deviation is issued to allow for the repairs to the gears, shafts, and 
bearings of the swing span, an extensive but necessary maintenance 
operation.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6:01 a.m. on January 19, 1998 
through 6 p.m. on February 27, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, Commander (ob), Eighth 
Coast Guard District, 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 
70130-3396, telephone number 504-589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The US 90 swing span drawbridge across 
Rigolets Pass, mile 6.2, in New Orleans, Orleans and St. Tammany 
Parishes, Louisiana, has a vertical clearance of 14 feet above high 
water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited clearance in 
the open-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists of 
tugs with tows, fishing vessels, sailing vessels, and other 
recreational craft. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and 
Development sent a letter to the Coast Guard requesting a temporary 
deviation from the normal operation of the bridge in order to 
accommodate the maintenance work. The maintenance work involves 
removing, repairing, and replacing the worn gears, shafts, and 
bearings. This work is essential for the continued operation of the 
draw span.
    This deviation allows the draw of the US 90 swing span bridge 
across Rigolets Pass, mile 6.2, at New Orleans to remain in the closed-
to-navigation position for a period of 45 days commencing January 19, 
1998. With the draw in the closed-to-navigation position, vessels 
requiring vertical clearances of greater than 14 feet above high water 
will be required to use alternate routes during the maintenance period. 
Alternate routes include the Chef Pass and the Inner Harbor Navigation 
Canal.
    This deviation will be effective from 6:01 a.m. January 19, 1998, 
through 6 p.m. February 27, 1998. Presently, the draw opens on signal 
at any time.

    Dated: December 24, 1997.
Paul J. Prokop,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, 8th Coast Guard District, Acting.
[FR Doc. 98-697 Filed 1-9-98; 8:45 am]
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