[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32393-32394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13357]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0457]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 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 
Lapalco Boulevard bascule span drawbridge across the Harvey Canal 
Route, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), mile 2.8 at New Orleans, 
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to allow for 
the removal and replacement of the span locks of the bridge. This 
deviation allows the bridge to remain closed for sixty consecutive 
hours during two consecutive weekends.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2012 
until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 2, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0457 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0457 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 Branch Office, Coast Guard; telephone 
504-671-2128, email [email protected]. If you have questions on 
viewing

[[Page 32394]]

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 Lapalco Boulevard Bridge 
across the Harvey Canal Route, Intracoastal Waterway, mile 2.8 at New 
Orleans, 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 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 p.m. 
on Friday, June 22, 2012 until 6 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2012 and from 
6 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2012 until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 2, 2012. 
At all other times, the bridge will open on signal for the passage of 
vessels in accordance with 33 CFR 117.451(a).
    The closure is necessary in order to remove and replace the span 
lock systems. 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: May 17, 2012.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-13357 Filed 5-31-12; 8:45 am]
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