[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 130 (Thursday, July 7, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 39775]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17108]





[[Page 39775]]



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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY



Coast Guard



33 CFR Part 117



[Docket No. USCG-2011-0547]




Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lafourche Bayou, Lafourche, 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 

Cut Off vertical lift span bridge across the Lafourche Bayou, mile 

36.3, at Cut Off, Lafourche Parish, LA. The deviation is necessary to 

perform major maintenance and repair on the bridge. This deviation 

allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for 45 consecutive 

days except that from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. the bridge will open every 

four hours, as necessary, to allow waiting vessel traffic to pass.



DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2011 

through 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2011.



ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 

the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0547 and are available online 

by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0547 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 Jim Wetherington, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast 

Guard; 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 Lafourche Parish Government has 

requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the 

vertical lift span bridge across Lafourche Bayou, mile 36.3 in Cut Off, 

Lafourche Parish, LA. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the 

closed-to-navigation position is 5 feet above Mean High Water and 73 

feet above Mean High Water in the open-to-navigation position.

    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.465(a)(5), the vertical lift span of 

the bridge shall open on signal for the passage of vessels; except that 

from August 15-May 31, the draw need not open for the passage of 

vessels Monday-Friday, except Federal holidays, from 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m.; 

from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This deviation 

allows the vertical lift span of the bridge to remain closed to 

navigation from Monday, July 11, 2011 through Wednesday, August 24, 

2011 except that from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m., the bridge will open every 

four hours, as necessary, to allow for the passage of any vessels in 

waiting.

    The closure is necessary to perform major maintenance and repair. 

This maintenance is essential for the continued operation of the 

bridge. 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.

    Navigation on the waterway consists of commercial and recreational 

fishing vessels, small to medium crew boats, and small tugs with and 

without tows. Alternate routes are available for the passage of 

vessels; however, this closure was coordinated with waterway interests 

who have indicated that they will be able to adjust their operations 

around the proposed work schedule. Small vessels may pass under the 

bridge while in the closed-to-navigation position provided caution is 

exercised.

    Due to prior experience and coordination with waterway users, it 

has been determined that this closure will not have a significant 

effect on vessels that use the waterway.

    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: June 21, 2011.

David M. Frank,

Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, U.S. Coast Guard, by Direction.

[FR Doc. 2011-17108 Filed 7-6-11; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9110-04-P