[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 249 (Wednesday, December 30, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69027-69028]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30931]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2009-1053]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Inner Harbor Navigational 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 
Danziger lift span bridge across the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal, 
mile 3.1, at New Orleans, LA. The deviation is necessary to remove and 
install the roller guide assemblies on the bridge. This deviation 
allows the bridge to remain closed at two different points of time 
during the bridge repairs project.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on January 16, 2010 
through 7 p.m. on January 30, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-1053 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2009-1053 in the 
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search.'' They are also available 
for inspection or copying at 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or e-mail Lindsey Middleton, Bridge Administration Branch; 
telephone 504-671-2128, e-mail [email protected]. If you 
have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coastal Bridge Company, contracted by 
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, has requested a 
bridge closure for the Danziger Lift Span Bridge on Route US 90 
crossing the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal, mile 3.1, in New Orleans, 
LA. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position is 50 feet above mean high water and 55 feet above mean low 
water. Currently, according to

[[Page 69028]]

33 CFR 117.458(b), the draw of the US 90 (Danziger) bridge, mile 3.1, 
shall open on signal; except that, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. the draw shall 
open on signal if at least four hours notice is given, and the draw 
need not be opened from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
Monday through Friday. This deviation allows the draw span of the 
bridge to remain closed-to-navigation for 12 consecutive hours between 
7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on intermittent days from January 16, 2009 through 
January 30, 2009. Uncontrollable variables such as inclement weather 
make it difficult to predict the exact dates that work can be 
conducted. Thus, the exact dates for the closures cannot be firmly 
scheduled. Notices will be published in the Eighth Coast Guard District 
Local Notice to Mariners and will be broadcast via the Coast Guard 
Broadcast Notice to Mariners System as soon as information pertaining 
to the exact closure dates becomes available. During the deviation 
period seven new aerial cables between the two bridge towers will be 
installed, the wiring for the roadway and navigation lighting will be 
replaced, and the guide rollers and span locks will be replaced. The 
closure periods are necessary for the guide rollers and span locks to 
be replaced. During the non-closure times of the deviation period the 
bridge will remain in the open position for vessel traffic. Navigation 
on the waterway consists mainly of tugs with tows. As a result of 
coordination between the Coast Guard and the waterway users, it has 
been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on 
these vessels. The Coast Guard will inform these users through the 
Local Notice to Mariners. Vessels will be allowed to pass underneath 
the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position. There are alternate 
routes available to vessel traffic. The bridge will not be able to open 
for emergencies.
    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: December 14, 2009.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-30931 Filed 12-29-09; 8:45 am]
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