[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 9, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69632-69633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29043]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1020]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Calcasieu River, Westlake, 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 
Union Pacific Railroad swing bridge across the Calcasieu River, mile 
36.4, at Westlake, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is 
necessary to upgrade the electrical and mechanical systems of the 
bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation 
on three different dates in November.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 
10, 2011 through 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 24, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the

[[Page 69633]]

docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1020 and are available online by 
going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1020 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 email Kay Wade, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast Guard; 
telephone (504) 671-2128, email [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 Union Pacific Railroad has requested a 
temporary deviation from the operating schedule for the swing span 
bridge across the Calcasieu River, mile 36.4, at Westlake, Calcasieu 
Parish, Louisiana. The swing span bridge has a vertical clearance of 
1.07 feet above mean high water, elevation 3.56 feet Mean Gulf Level in 
the closed-to-navigation position.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the bridge currently opens on 
signal for the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the swing span 
of the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. 
on Thursday, November 10, Thursday, November 17, and Thursday, November 
24, 2011. The swing span of the bridge will open for the passage of 
vessels from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 17 and Thursday, 
November 24, 2011.
    The closures are necessary in order to remove the existing 
structural steel, shafts, and gears; and to install two new main drive 
motors, gears, and wiring on both sides of the pivot pier of the turn 
span. 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 is minimal at the bridge site. The very 
limited commercial traffic at the bridge site consists of commercial 
tugs with tows. There are only two companies that transit above the 
bridge. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies if necessary. 
There are no alternate waterway routes available. Based on experience 
and coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that these 
closures 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: November 1, 2011.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-29043 Filed 11-8-11; 8:45 am]
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