[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 55 (Friday, March 21, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 15689]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06265]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2014-0124]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, 
New Orleans, 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 Senator Ted Hickey (Leon C. 
Simon Blvd./Seabrook) bascule bridge across the Inner Harbor Navigation 
Canal, mile 4.6, at New Orleans, 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-2014-0124] 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 Senator Ted Hickey (Leon C. Simon Blvd./
Seabrook) crossing the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, mile 4.6, in New 
Orleans, 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 during the Ironman event, which was approved. The bridge 
provides 45 feet in the closed-to-navigation position above mean sea 
level. Currently, according to 33 CFR 117.458(c), the draw of the 
Senator Ted Hickey (Leon C. Simon Blvd./Seabrook), mile 4.6, shall open 
on signal from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; except the bridge need not open from 7 
a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. From 8 
p.m. to 7 a.m., the draw shall open on signal if at least two hours 
notice is given. 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 
tugs with tows. 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 117.35(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: March 7, 2014.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014-06265 Filed 3-20-14; 8:45 am]
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