[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7427-7428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-3738]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-003]
RIN 2115-AE47


Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 
Grand Lake, 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 governing the operation of the 
SR 384 (Grand Lake) pontoon bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal 
Waterway, mile 231.4 West of Harvey Locks, at Grand Lake, Cameron 
Parish, Louisiana. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for two four-hour periods, Monday through Thursday, from 
February 17 through March 27, 2003. The deviation is necessary to allow 
for the repairs to the fender system of the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 
2003 until 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2003.

[[Page 7428]]


ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document 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 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
telephone number is 504-589-2965. The Bridge Administration Branch, 
Eighth District, maintains the public docket for this temporary 
deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Frank, Bridge Administration 
Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation 
and Development has requested a temporary deviation in order to repair 
the fender system of the bridge. The repairs are necessary for the 
continued safe operation of the bridge. This deviation allows the draw 
of the SR 384 bridge to remain closed to navigation from 7 a.m. until 
11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. daily, Monday through Thursday, 
from February 17, 2003 through March 27, 2003.
    The pontoon bridge has no vertical clearance in the closed-to-
navigation position. The bridge normally opens to pass navigation an 
average of 1005 times a month. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the 
bridge opens on signal for the passage of vessels. The bridge will be 
able to open for emergencies during the closure period; however, pile-
driving equipment will have to be secured and moved prior to the 
opening of the bridge. Navigation on the waterway consists mainly of 
tugs with tows and some fishing vessels. No practical alternate route 
is readily available.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed 
with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as 
soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: February 5, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-3738 Filed 2-13-03; 8:45 am]
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