[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 13, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14689-14690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5971]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0126]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Berwick Bay (Atchafalaya River), 
Morgan City, 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 
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Company vertical lift span 
bridge across Berwick Bay, mile 0.4, (Atchafalaya River, mile 17.5) at 
Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to 
perform scheduled maintenance to the bridge. This deviation allows the 
bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position on two dates 
occurring in March of 2012.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 
15, 2012 through 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 22, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0126 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0126 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 Branch Office, 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 BNSF Railway Company has requested a 
temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the vertical lift 
span railroad bridge across Berwick Bay, mile 0.4 (Atchafalaya River, 
mile 17.5), at Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The vertical 
lift span bridge has a vertical clearance of 6.4 feet above high water, 
elevation 8.2 feet Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-navigation position. 
Vessels able to pass underneath the bridge in the closed-to-navigation-
position may do so.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the bridge currently opens on 
signal for the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the vertical 
lift span of the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position 
from 7:30 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2012 and 
Thursday, March 22, 2012.
    To avoid becoming a safety hazard, the closures are necessary in 
order to cut and weld worn rails and chipping Conley joints. This 
maintenance is essential for the continued safety and 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 and recreational craft, including sailboats

[[Page 14690]]

and powerboats. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies, if 
necessary. The Intracoastal Waterway--Morgan City to Port Allen Route 
and the Landside Route, including Bayou Boeuf, are alternate waterway 
routes for vessels not requiring greater than a 12 foot draft. 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: February 23, 2012.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2012-5971 Filed 3-12-12; 8:45 am]
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