[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 5, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38593-38594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-13126]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-05-042]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Back Bay of Biloxi, Biloxi, 
Harrison County, 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 Road Bascule Span Bridge across the Back Bay of Biloxi, 
mile 8.0, at Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi. This deviation 
allows the north bascule span of the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for twelve hours on July 26, 2005 with an alternate date of 
August 2, 2005 in case of inclement weather. This temporary deviation 
is necessary for the replacement of the hydraulic hoses of the 
drawbridge operating system.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 
2005 through 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2005.

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: Phil Johnson, Bridge Administration 
Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The City of Biloxi has requested a temporary 
deviation in order to replace 24 hydraulic hoses of the north bascule 
span of the Popps Ferry Road Bridge across the Back Bay of Biloxi, mile 
8.0 at Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi. This temporary deviation 
will allow the north bascule span of the bridge to remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 
July 26, 2005 with an alternate date of Tuesday, August 2, 2005 in case 
of inclement weather. For vessels that do not require the full channel 
width to safely pass through the bridge, the south bascule span will 
continue to open on signal, except that it need not open from 7:30 a.m. 
to 9 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. as provided for in 33 CFR 
117.675(c).
    The 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 feet Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-navigation 
position. It has a horizontal clearance of 180 feet between bascule 
span tips while in the open-to-navigation position, normal to the 
channel axis. When the south bascule span is in the open-to-navigation 
position and the north span remains in the closed-to-navigation 
position, 90 feet of horizontal clearance will be available between the 
north bascule span tip and the south fender facing. Navigation at the 
site of the bridge consists mainly of tows with barges and some 
recreational vessels including sailing vessels. Many of the vessels 
that currently require an opening of the draw will be able to pass 
through the bridge with only the south bascule span open. Due to prior

[[Page 38594]]

experience, as well as coordination with waterway users, it has been 
determined that this 12-hour closure of the north bascule span will not 
have a significant effect on the vessels that do require full opening 
of the draw. Normally, the bridge opens on signal, except that it need 
not open for the passage of vessels 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, as 
provided for in 33 CFR 117.675(c). The north bascule span may not be 
able to open for emergencies during the closure period, but the south 
bascule span of the bridge will open at any time for vessels in 
distress. 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: June 27, 2005.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-13126 Filed 7-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P