[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 7, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 36570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-17184]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-99-011]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, 
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 
Florida Avenue bascule span drawbridge across the Inner Harbor 
Navigational Canal, mile 1.7 at New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. 
This deviation allows the draw of the Florida Avenue bascule span 
drawbridge to remain closed to navigation daily from 8 a.m. until noon 
and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. from September 23, 1999 through November 
6, 1999. This temporary deviation will allow for replacement of the 
damaged fender system, an extensive but necessary maintenance 
operation. Presently, the draw opens on signal at all times.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on September 23, 1999 
through 5 p.m. on November 6, 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 District, Bridge Administration Branch, Hale Boggs 
Federal Building, room 1313, 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, 
Louisiana 70130-3396 between 7 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 Florida Avenue bascule span drawbridge across the Inner Harbor 
Navigation Canal, mile 1.7, in New Orleans, Louisiana has a vertical 
clearance of one foot 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, small ships, fishing 
vessels, sailing vessels and other recreational craft. The Board of 
Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans requested a temporary 
deviation for the operation of the drawbridge to accommodate 
maintenance work, involving removing portions of the existing damaged 
fender system, driving new pilings and replacing the timbers. This work 
is essential for continued safe transit of vessels through the bridge.
    The District Commander has, therefore, issued a deviation from the 
regulations in 33 CFR 117.5 authorizing the draw of the Florida Avenue 
bascule span drawbridge to remain closed to navigation from 8 a.m. 
until noon and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. daily from September 23, 1999 
through November 6, 1999. In the event of an approaching tropical storm 
or hurricane, the draw will return to normal operation within 12 hours 
notice from the Coast Guard. Presently, the draw opens on signal at any 
time.

    Dated: May 7, 1999.
A.L. Gerfin, Jr.,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, 8th Coast Guard Dist., Acting.
[FR Doc. 99-17184 Filed 7-6-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M