05-1762. Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway-Bayou Boeuf, Amelia, LA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the BNSF RR Swing Bridge across Bayou Boeuf, mile 10.2, at Amelia, St. Mary Parish, LA. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for six hours per day Monday through Thursday from February 28 until March 31, 2005. The deviation is necessary to remove and replace the cross ties on the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday, February 28, 2005 until 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Materials referred to in this document are available for inspection or copying at the office of the Eighth Coast Guard District, Bridge Administration Branch, Hale Boggs Federal Building, Room 1313, 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3310 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is [phone]. The Bridge Administration Branch of the Eighth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The BNSF RR has requested a temporary deviation in order to remove and replace the cross ties of the Bayou Boeuf Swing Bridge across Bayou Boeuf, mile 10.2, at Amelia, St. Mary Parish, LA. The repairs are necessary to ensure the safety of trains crossing the bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday from February 28, 2005 until March 31, 2005. The bridge may be opened to pass vessels in an emergency after personnel are cleared from the bridge.

As the bridge has no vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position, vessels will not be able to transit through the bridge site when the bridge is closed. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational pleasure craft. Due to prior experience, as well as coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

Dated: January 24, 2005.

Marcus Redford,

Bridge Administrator.