[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 185 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54359-54360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18881]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-07-024]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 
Belle Chasse, 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 23 bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate 
Route), mile 3.8, at Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This 
temporary rule is issued to facilitate movement of vehicular traffic 
for the New Orleans Open House 2007 Air Show, to be held at the U.S. 
Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base at Belle Chasse, Louisiana.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 
27, 2007, until 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2007.

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) 671-2129.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of the Navy requested a 
temporary rule changing the operation of the State Route 23 vertical 
lift span drawbridge. The change accommodates the additional volume of 
vehicular traffic that the New Orleans Open House Air Show generates 
each year. A large amount of the general public is expected to attend 
the New Orleans Open House Air Show on each day. The change allows for 
the expeditious dispersal of the heavy volume of vehicular traffic 
expected to depart the Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base following 
the event. This event has been held annually on or about the last 
weekend in October. This year, the event is being held on the weekend 
of October 26-28, 2007. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge 
to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 3:30 p.m. until 
6:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2007 and from 3:30 p.m. until 7:45 
p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2007.
    The State Route 23 vertical lift span drawbridge across the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle 
Chasse, Louisiana has a vertical clearance of 40 feet above mean high 
water in the closed-to-navigation position and 100 feet above mean high 
water in the open-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway 
consists primarily of tugs with tows, commercial fishing vessels, and 
occasional recreational craft. Mariners may use the Gulf Intracoastal 
Waterway (Harvey Canal) to avoid unnecessary delays.
    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(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular

[[Page 54360]]

operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated time 
period. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized 
under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: September 13, 2007.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. E7-18881 Filed 9-24-07; 8:45 am]
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