[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31357-31358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15282]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD 08-98-021]


Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Back Bay of Biloxi, MS

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 governing the operation of the 
US 90 bascule drawbridge across the Back Bay of Biloxi, mile 0.4 
between Biloxi and Ocean Springs, Harrison and Jackson Counties, 
Mississippi. This deviation allows the Mississippi Department of 
Transportation to close the bridge during certain hours for repairs 
from June 8, until July 1, 1998. The draw may open at other times 
should a large accumulation of waterway traffic occur

[[Page 31358]]

or if an emergency situation occurs. This temporary deviation is issued 
to allow for the replacement of the shim plates on the center locks and 
replacing the electric brake system with a new hydraulic system and 
additional maintenance as required.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8:30 a.m. on June 8, 1998 
through 3 p.m. on July 1, 1998.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The US 90 bascule drawbridge across the Back 
Bay of Biloxi between Biloxi and Ocean Springs, Harrison and Jackson 
Counties, Mississippi has a vertical clearance of 35.9 feet above mean 
high water, elevation 1.8 feet Mean Sea Level, 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. 
Presently, as set out in 33 CFR 117.765, the draw opens on signal 
except that from 6:30 a.m. to 7:05 a.m., 7:20 a.m. to 8:05 a.m., 4 p.m. 
to 4:45 p.m., and 4:55 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except 
holidays, the draw need not open for the passage of vessels.

    The Mississippi Department of Transportation requested a temporary 
deviation from the normal operation of the bridge in order to 
accommodate maintenance work. The maintenance work consists of 
replacing existing center span locks with new shim plates, replacing 
the electric brake system with a new hydraulic system, restoring the 
auxiliary drive system, realignment of the bridge, replacing worn oil 
seals and installation of new power supply conduit and cables. This 
work is essential for the continued operation of the draw span. The 
request was reviewed by the Marine Safety Office in Mobile, Alabama, 
and it does not appear that the requested deviation will have a major 
impact on local vessel traffic.
    This District Commander has, therefore, issued a deviation from the 
regulations in 33 CFR 117.765 authorizing the bridge to remain closed 
from 8:30 a.m. until noon and from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m., Monday 
through Friday from June 8, until July 1, 1998. Additionally, the 
bridge will be closed to navigation daily from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. 
from June 22, until June 26, 1998.

    Dated: May 29, 1998.
A.L. Gerfin, Jr.,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, 8th Coast Guard Dist.
[FR Doc. 98-15282 Filed 6-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M