[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 90 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 24883]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11601]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-020]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Lower Grand River (Alternate 
Route), Grosse Tete, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

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 
Grosse Tete Swing Span Highway Bridge across Lower Grand River 
(Alternate Route), mile 47.0, at Grosse Tete, Iberville Parish, LA. 
This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 
May 20, 2003, through May 22, 2003. The deviation is necessary to 
conduct scheduled maintenance to the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6:30 a.m. on May 20, 2003, 
through 8:30 p.m. on May 22, 2003.

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 of 
the Eighth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this 
temporary deviation.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation 
and Development has requested a temporary deviation in order to remove 
and replace the swing cylinders of the swing span bridge across Lower 
Grand River (Alternate Route) at mile 47.0 at Grosse Tete, Iberville 
Parish, Louisiana. This maintenance is essential for the continued safe 
operation of the bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge 
to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 6:30 a.m. on 
Tuesday, May 20, 2003, through 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2003.
    The swing span bridge has a vertical clearance of 2.5 feet above 
mean high water, elevation 9.0 feet Mean Sea Level and 11.5 feet above 
mean low water, elevation 0.0 Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-
navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists 
mainly of tows with barges and some recreational craft. There are no 
commercial fishermen that transit the waterway at the bridge site. Due 
to prior experience, as well as coordination with water way users, it 
has been determined that this three day closure will not have a 
significant effect on these vessels. The bridge normally opens to pass 
navigation an average of 490 times per month. In accordance with 33 CFR 
117.478, the draw of the LA 77 bridge, mile 47.0 (Alternate Route) at 
Grosse Tete, shall open on signal; except that, from about August 15 to 
about June 5 (the school year), the draw need not be opened from 6 a.m. 
to 8 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday except 
Federal holidays. The draw shall open on signal at any time for an 
emergency aboard a vessel. The bridge will not be able to open for 
emergencies during the closure period. Alternate routes are available. 
Mariners may transit the area via the Mississippi River through the 
Harvey Canal lock or via the Atchafalaya River through the Old River 
lock.
    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: April 28, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-11601 Filed 5-8-03; 8:45 am]
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