[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 62 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7111]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-04-008]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway--
Black Bayou, 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 an 
extension of a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the 
operation of the Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge across the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway, mile 237.5 west of Harvey Lock, in Calcasieu 
Parish, LA. The extension allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation during daylight hours during weekdays only for an additional 
two weeks. The extension of the deviation is necessary to complete the 
repairs to the damaged portions of the fender system.

DATES: This extension of the deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on 
Thursday, April 15, 2004, through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2004.

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, 
500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3310 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: On March 1, 2004, a temporary deviation for 
the operation of the Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge across the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway, mile 237.5 west of Harvey Lock, in Calcasieu 
Parish, LA was published in the Federal Register (69 FR 9549). The 
temporary deviation allowed the bridge to remain in the closed-to-
navigation position from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. until 5 
p.m. Monday through Friday from March 17, 2004, through April 14, 2004. 
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) has 
now requested a two-week extension to the temporary deviation in order 
to complete the repairs. The extension of the temporary deviation is 
necessary to ensure the complete repair of the fender system for the 
safety of the bridge. The extension of the temporary deviation will 
allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 
a.m. until 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 
until April 28, 2004.
    As the bridge has no vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation 
position, vessels will not be able to transit through the bridge sight 
when the bridge is closed. Navigation at the site of the bridge 
consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational pleasure 
craft. Due to 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 878 times per month. The bridge opens on 
signal as required by 33 CFR 117.5. The bridge will be able to open for 
emergencies during the closure period with proper notice. 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: March 23, 2004.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 04-7111 Filed 3-30-04; 8:45 am]
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