[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12476-12477]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4919]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0108]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lake Pontchartrain, Between 
Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes, 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 regulations governing the operation of the 
north bascule span of the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission 
Causeway across Lake Pontchartrain between Metairie, Jefferson Parish 
and Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. This deviation allows 
the draws of the bridge to remain closed to navigation for four days to 
allow for the repair and maintenance of mechanical parts of the 
bascule.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 
2012 until 6 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0108 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0108 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 Mr. Jim Wetherington, Bridge Specialist, Eighth Coast 
Guard District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-2128 
or email [email protected]. If you have questions on 
viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

[[Page 12477]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Greater New Orleans Expressway 
Commission requested a temporary deviation from the published 
regulation for the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission Causeway 
bascule bridge across Lake Pontchartrain. The bridge provides 42.6 feet 
of vertical clearance when closed above mean high water, and unlimited 
clearance above MHW in the open-to-navigation position. Currently, 
according to 33 CFR 117.467(b), the draw of the Greater New Orleans 
Expressway Commission Causeway bascule bridge shall open on signal if 
at least three hours notice is given; except that the draw need not be 
open for the passage of vessels Monday through Fridays except Federal 
holidays, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.. The draw 
will open on signal for any vessel in distress or vessel waiting 
immediately following the closures listed above.
    This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for 
four (4) days from 6 a.m. on March 13, 2012 through 6 p.m. on March 16, 
2012.
    Navigation on the waterway consists mainly of recreational vessels. 
The Coast Guard has coordinated the closure with other Coast Guard 
units. These dates and this schedule were chosen to minimize the 
effects on vessel traffic; however, vessels that may pass under the 
bridge in the closed-to-navigation position can do so any anytime. The 
bridge will not be able to open for emergencies.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35, this work will be performed with 
flexibility in order to return the bridge to normal operations as soon 
as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: February 10, 2012.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-4919 Filed 2-29-12; 8:45 am]
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