[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 132 (Monday, July 11, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 40617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17259]



[[Page 40617]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0581]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Near 
Hackberry, 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 27 (Ellender Ferry) vertical lift bridge across the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway, mile 243.8 west of Harvey Lock, near Hackberry, 
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. This deviation is necessary to perform 
electrical component upgrades and repair work on the bridge. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for nine 
consecutive hours daily Monday through Friday for four weeks.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 
2011 through 5 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0581 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0581 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 Donna Gagliano, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast 
Guard; telephone 504-671-2128 or 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 Louisiana Department of Transportation 
and Development has requested a temporary deviation in order to perform 
electrical component upgrades and repair work from the operating 
schedule for the vertical lift bridge on the SR 27 (Ellender Ferry) 
across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 243.8, west of Harvey 
Locks, near Hackberry, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The bridge provides 
50 feet of vertical clearance above Mean High Water, NGVD 29, in the 
closed-to-navigation position. Currently, according to 33 CFR 
117.451(e), the draw of the bridge shall open on signal when more than 
50 feet vertical clearance is required, if at least four-hour notice is 
given to the Louisiana Department of Highways, District Maintenance 
Engineer, at Lake Charles.
    The closure is necessary to perform electrical component upgrades 
and repair work on the bridge that allows the bridge to be raised. 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 tugs with tows, fishing 
vessels, sailing vessels, and other recreational craft. The Coast Guard 
has coordinated the closure with waterway users, industry, and other 
Coast Guard units. Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the 
closed-to-navigation position can do so anytime. There are no alternate 
routes. 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: June 20, 2011.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-17259 Filed 7-8-11; 8:45 am]
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