[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33403-33404]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-16010]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-99-040]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Bayou Des Allemands, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad swing span bridge across Bayou 
Des Allemands, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. This deviation allows the 
draw of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad swing span drawbridge 
to remain closed to navigation continuously from 7 a.m. on July 12, 
1999 through 6 p.m. on July 16, 1999 and from 7 a.m. on July 19, 1999, 
through 6 p.m. on July 23, 1999.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on July 12, 1999 through 
6 p.m. on July 23, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, documents referred to in this 
notice are available for inspection or copying at the office of the 
Eighth Coast Guard

[[Page 33404]]

District, Bridge Administration Branch, Hale Boggs Federal Building, 
room 1313, 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3396 
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Bridge Administration Branch of the Eighth Coast Guard 
District maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phil Johnson, Bridge Administration 
Branch, at the address given above, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad 
swing span drawbridge across Bayou Des Allemands, mile 14, at Des 
Allemands, Louisiana has a vertical clearance of three feet above mean 
high water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited in the 
open-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists of 
tugs with tows, fishing vessels and recreational craft. The Burlington 
Northern Santa Fe Railroad requested a temporary deviation for the 
operation of the drawbridge to accommodate maintenance work, involving 
replacement of the steel truss members, stringers, floor beams and 
railroad ties and rails, an extensive but necessary maintenance 
operation. Presently, the draw opens on signal Monday through Friday 
from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. At all other times the draw opens on signal if 
at least 4 hours notice is given. This work is essential for continued 
safe operation of the bridge.

    The District Commander has, therefore, issued a deviation from the 
regulations in 33 CFR 117.5 authorizing the draw of the Burlington 
Northern Santa Fe Railroad swing span drawbridge to remain closed to 
navigation from 7 a.m. on July 12, 1999 through 6 p.m. on July 16, 1999 
and from 7 a.m. on July 19, 1999 through 6 p.m. on July 23, 1999.
    In event of an approaching tropical storm or hurricane, the draw 
will return to normal operation with 12 hours notice from the Coast 
Guard. Presently, the draw opens on signal Monday through Friday from 7 
a.m. until 3 p.m. At all other times the draw opens on signal if at 
least 4 hours notice is given.

    Dated: June 4, 1999.
Paul J. Pluta,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Eight Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 99-16010 Filed 6-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M