[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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] BILLING CODE 4910-14-M