[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 219 (Monday, November 14, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70345-70346]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29238]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0985]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

[[Page 70346]]


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 
Lapalco Boulevard bascule span drawbridge across the Harvey Canal 
Route, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), mile 2.8 at Harvey, Jefferson 
Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to allow for the cleaning 
and painting of bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain 
closed during the day Monday through Saturday for three months.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6:30 a.m. on Monday, December 
5, 2011 until 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0985 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-0985 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 David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch; 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: Jefferson Parish has requested a temporary 
deviation from the operating schedule for the Bascule Span Bridge 
across the Harvey Canal Route, Intracoastal Waterway, mile 2.8 at 
Harvey, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The bridge has a vertical 
clearance of 45 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation 
position and unlimited in the open-to-navigation position; however, 
during the deviation time periods, the vertical clearance beneath the 
bridge will be reduced to 35 feet above mean high water.
    In accordance with Title 33 CFR 117.451(a), the bridge currently 
opens on signal for the passage of vessels; except that, from 6:30 a.m. 
to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday 
except holidays, the draw need not be opened for the passage of 
vessels. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation from 6:30 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday from 
Monday, December 5, 2011 through Saturday, March 3, 2012. At all other 
times, the bridge will open on signal for the passage of vessels in 
accordance with Title 33 CFR 117.451(a). Additionally, from Saturday, 
December 20, 2011 through Tuesday, January 3, 2012, the contractor will 
not work and the bridge will operate in accordance with Title 33 CFR 
117.451(a).
    The closure is necessary in order to clean and repaint the steel 
surfaces of the bridge. 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 mainly of tugs with tows with 
some commercial fishing vessels and recreational craft. Coordination 
between the Coast Guard and the waterway users determined that there 
should not be any significant effects on these vessels. An alternate 
route is available via the GIWW (Algiers Alternate Route). The bridge 
can open during the maintenance for emergencies. Opening the bridge 
will take approximately 90 minutes to remove the tarps and equipment as 
required to open 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: October 18, 2011.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-29238 Filed 11-10-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P