[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70467-70468]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20485]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-06-040]


Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, 
New Orleans, 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 
SR 46 (St. Claude Avenue) bridge across the Inner Harbor Navigation 
Canal, mile 0.5 (GIWW mile 6.2 East of Harvey Lock) in New Orleans, 
Orleans Parish, Louisiana. This deviation provides for the bridge to 
remain closed to navigation for approximately 11 consecutive hours to 
conduct scheduled maintenance to the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6:30 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. on 
Tuesday, December 5, 2006.

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) 671-2128. 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) 671-2128.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board of Commissioners of the Port of 
New Orleans has requested a temporary deviation in order to replace the 
riverside lower forward roller assembly for the operating strut guide 
of the bridge. These repairs are necessary for the continued operation 
of the bridge. This deviation allows the draw of the St. Claude Avenue 
bascule bridge across the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, mile

[[Page 70468]]

0.5 (GIWW mile 6.2 East of Harvey Lock), to remain closed to navigation 
from 6:30 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2006.
    The bascule bridge has a vertical clearance of 1 foot above high 
water in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway 
consists mainly of tugs with tows and some ships. The bridge normally 
opens to pass navigation an average of eight times during the deviation 
period. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.458(a), the draw of the bridge 
shall open on signal; except that, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 
3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, 
the draw need not open for the passage of vessels. The draw shall open 
at any time for a vessel in distress. Normally, the draw is required to 
open at any time for a vessel in distress. However, the bridge will not 
be able to open for emergencies during the closure period. An alternate 
route is available to mariners by proceeding down the Mississippi River 
to Venice, Louisiana, crossing the Breton Sound and proceeding up the 
Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.
    The Coast Guard has coordinated the closure with waterway users, 
industry, and other Coast Guard units. It has been determined that this 
closure will not have a significant effect on vessel traffic.
    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: November 13, 2006.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E6-20485 Filed 12-4-06; 8:45 am]
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