[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 69 (Monday, April 13, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-8304]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[USCG-2009-0230]


Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 
Belle Chasse, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Louisiana State Route 23 (LA 23) vertical lift span bridge, also known 
as the Judge Perez Bridge, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway 
(Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle Chasse, Plaquemines 
Parish, Louisiana. This deviation provides for the bridge to remain 
closed to navigation for six hours a day for 21 consecutive days in 
order to perform scheduled maintenance.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009 
until 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-0230 and are available online 
at www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection or 
copying at two locations: The Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. 
Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays; and 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.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation 
and Development (LDOTD) has requested a temporary deviation in order to 
perform maintenance on the State Route 23 (LA 23) vertical lift span 
bridge, also known as the Judge Perez Bridge, across the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle 
Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This maintenance is necessary to 
make mechanical repairs to the lift towers of the bridge. This 
temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain closed-to-
navigation position from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily from Monday, May 18, 
2009 until Sunday, June 7, 2009. During the closure the draw will not 
be able to open for emergencies. Currently, the draw opens on signal; 
except that, from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need not be 
opened for the passage of vessels.
    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 this closure with the Gulf Intracoastal Canal 
Association (GICA). The GICA representative indicated that the vessel 
operators will be able to schedule transits through the bridge such 
that operations will not significantly be hindered. Thus, it has been 
determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on 
these vessels. This closure is considered necessary for repair of the 
bridge.
    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: March 30, 2009.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-8304 Filed 4-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P