[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 55 (Friday, March 21, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15688-15689]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06260]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0125]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chef Menteur Pass, at Lake 
Catherine, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
regulation governing the operation of the U.S. Highway 90 swing highway 
bridge across the Chef Menteur Pass, mile 2.8, at Lake Catherine, 
Orleans Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to ensure the 
safety of participants in the Ochsner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans event as 
they run across the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain 
in the closed-to-navigation position continuously during the event.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. through 2 p.m. on 
Sunday, April 13, 2014.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2014-0125] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
Department of Transportation West Building, 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 
temporary deviation, call or email Jim Wetherington, Bridge 
Administration Branch, Coast Guard, telephone (504) 671-2128, email 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Cheryl F. Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard received a request for a 
temporary deviation for the U.S. Highway 90 swing bridge crossing the 
Chef Menteur Pass, mile 2.8, at Lake Catherine, Orleans, Parish, 
Louisiana to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for a seven-
hour period during the Ochsner Ironman 70.3, on April 13, 2014. The 
bridge owner also received a request to close the bridge to all traffic

[[Page 15689]]

during the Ironman event, which was approved. The bridge provides 10 
feet vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position at mean 
high water. Currently, according to 33 CFR 117.436, the draw of the 
U.S. Highway 90 Bridge, mile 2.8, shall open on signal; except that, 
from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays, the draw need open only on the hour and on the half-hour for 
the passage of vessels. The draw shall open at any time for a vessel in 
distress. This deviation allows the draw span of the bridge to remain 
closed to navigation between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 
2014 while the Ironman participants travel across the bridge as part of 
the race course. Navigation on the waterway consists mainly of 
commercial fishermen and sportsman fishermen. As a result of 
coordination between the Coast Guard and the waterway users, it has 
been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on 
these vessels. The Coast Guard will inform users through the Local and 
Broadcast Notice to Mariners of the closure period. There is an 
alternate route available via The Rigolets Pass to vessel traffic. 
Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position can do so at any time. The bridge will not be able to open for 
emergencies.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.436, 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: March 7, 2014.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014-06260 Filed 3-20-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P