[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 101 (Tuesday, May 27, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28771-28772]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13059]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-022]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Back Bay of Biloxi, Biloxi, MS

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 
Popps Ferry Bascule Span Highway Bridge across the Back Bay of Biloxi, 
mile 8.0,

[[Page 28772]]

at Biloxi, Harrison County, MS. This deviation allows the bridge to 
remain closed to navigation on June 5, 2003. The deviation is necessary 
to conduct emergency repairs to the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. on 
June 5, 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 City of Biloxi has requested a temporary 
deviation in order to replace the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic 
system of the bascule span bridge across the Back Bay of Biloxi at mile 
8.0 at Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi. This maintenance is 
necessary to replace contaminated hydraulic fluid which is damaging the 
bridge's hydraulic system. This temporary deviation will allow the 
bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 8:30 a.m. 
through 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2003.
    The bascule span bridge has a vertical clearance of 25 feet above 
mean high water, elevation +0.8 feet Mean Sea Level and 26.6 feet above 
mean low water, elevation -0.8 Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-
navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists 
mainly of tows with barges and very little recreational craft. Due to 
prior experience, as well as coordination with waterway users, it has 
been determined that this one day closure will not have a significant 
effect on these vessels. The bridge normally opens to pass navigation 
an average of 125 times per month. In accordance with 33 CFR 
117.675(c), the draw of the Popps Ferry Road bridge, mile 8.0, at 
Biloxi, shall open on signal; except that, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 
from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays, the draw need not be opened for passage of vessels. The draw 
shall open at any time for a vessel in distress. The bridge will not be 
able to open for emergencies during the closure period. Alternate 
routes are not 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: May 14, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-13059 Filed 5-23-03; 8:45 am]
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