[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 203 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60033-60034]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26556]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-03-041]


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 at 
various times from November 3, 2003 through November 17, 2003. The 
deviation is necessary to perform rehabilitation and post-tensioning 
work on the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. on November 3, 2003 
through 3 p.m. on November 17, 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: 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 perform 
rehabilitation and post-tensioning work on 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 9 
a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday from November 3, 2003 until 
November 17, 2003. The bridge will open for the passage of vessels from 
noon until 12:30 p.m. during the closure period. If the work is 
accomplished in a shorter period of time, the bridge will be returned 
to normal operation in accordance with Title 33, Code of Federal 
Regulations, Section 117.478(b). Notice of return to normal operations 
prior to November 17, 2003 will be published by Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners.
    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. 
Based on prior experience, as well as coordination with waterway users, 
it has been determined that this 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(b), the draw of the LA 77 bridge, mile 47.0 (Alternate Route) 
at Grosse Tete, opens 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 opens on signal at any time for an 
emergency aboard a

[[Page 60034]]

vessel. 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: October 14, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-26556 Filed 10-20-03; 8:45 am]
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