2014-01933. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Falgout Canal, Terrebonne Parish, LA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the LA 315 drawbridge across the Falgout Canal, mile 3.1, in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary in order to conduct repair and replacement of parts associated with the wedge-drive system hydraulic unit. These repairs are essential for the continued safe operation of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain temporarily closed to navigation for 20 consecutive days with three openings per day during daylight to facilitate the movement of vessel traffic.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2014 through 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-1079] 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 deviation. 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 David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl F. Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Coastal Bridge Company, on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule on the LA 315 drawbridge across the Falgout Canal, mile 3.1, in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.

The bridge has a vertical clearance of 3.5 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited in the open-to-navigation position. Presently, in accordance with 33 CFR 117.444, the draw of the LA 315 bridge across Falgout Canal, mile 3.1, shall open on signal; except that from 15 August to 5 June, the draw need not be opened from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. The draw shall open on signal for an emergency aboard a vessel.

This temporary deviation allows the swing bridge to remain closed to navigation for a total of 20 days from 6 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2014 through 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014, except that the bridge will open to pass all waiting vessels at 6 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. daily. During this time, repairs will be performed to the hydraulic and electrical systems of the bridge.

No alternate routes are available during this deviation; however, the bridge owner will attempt to contact all waterway users to keep them abreast of the repair work. Navigation on the waterway consists of small tugs with tows, fishing vessels, and other recreational craft. The bridge opens an average of 426 times per month for the passage of vessels. This deviation has been coordinated with waterway users.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35, the draw bridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective period of this temporary deviation.

This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: January 13, 2014.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator.