[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 208 (Monday, October 29, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61056-61057]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-21216]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-07-035]


Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 
Morgan City to Port Allen Alternate Route, Lower Grand River, Bayou 
Sorrel, 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 
State Route 75 (SR 75) pontoon span bridge across the Lower Grand River 
at mile 38.4, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Morgan City to Port Allen 
Alternate Route at Bayou Sorrel, Iberville Parish, Louisiana. This 
deviation provides for the bridge to remain closed to navigation for 24 
consecutive hours to conduct scheduled maintenance to the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 
2007 until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 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 
maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phil Johnson, Bridge Administration 
Branch, telephone (504) 671-2128.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation 
and Development has requested a temporary deviation in order to replace 
the entire winch and related operating mechanism of the SR 75 pontoon 
span bridge across the Lower Grand River, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 
Morgan City to Port Allen Alternate Route at Bayou Sorrel, Iberville 
Parish, Louisiana. Replacement of the winch is necessary for continued 
operation of the draw span of the bridge. This temporary deviation will 
allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 
a.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, November 
7, 2007. During the closure period, the draw will not be able to open 
for emergencies. Currently, the draw 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 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday except holidays. 
The draw opens on signal at any time for an emergency aboard a vessel.
    The bridge is a floating pontoon span bridge with no available 
navigational clearance in the closed-to-navigation position. Thus, 
vessels will not be able to transit through the bridge site when the 
bridge is closed. Navigation on the waterway consists of tugs with 
tows, fishing vessels and recreational powerboats. 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.

[[Page 61057]]

    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular 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: October 18, 2007.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E7-21216 Filed 10-26-07; 8:45 am]
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