[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 14, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08487]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0259]


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

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs 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 travel across the bridge as part of the bike and run courses. 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 1 p.m. on 
Sunday, April 19, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0259] 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 Geri Robinson, 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 six-hour 
period during the Ochsner Ironman 70.3, on April 19, 2015. The bridge 
owner also received a request to close the bridge to all traffic 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 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 1 
p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015, while the Ironman participants travel 
across the bridge as part of the bike and race courses. Navigation on 
the waterway consists of mainly 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. For the duration of the 
event, the bridge will not be able to open for emergencies.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35, 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: April 8, 2015.
Eric Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-08487 Filed 4-13-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P