2013-03349. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Bayou Boeuf, Amelia, 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 Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Company swing span bridge across Bayou Boeuf, mile 10.2, at Amelia, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to complete scheduled repairs necessitated by a bridge allision. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for sixteen consecutive hours.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. through 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this notice, USCG-2013-0061, is available online at www.regulations.gov by typing the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and clicking “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this notice. 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 Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The BNSF Railway Company has requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the swing span railroad bridge across Bayou Boeuf, mile 10.2, at Amelia, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The bridge provides no vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position. However, the bridge will be able to open in the event of an emergency.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the bridge currently opens on signal for the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the swing span of the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 6 a.m. through 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2013.

The closure is necessary in order to change out a shaft and reducer gear damaged during a bridge allision that occurred last year. Notices will be published in the Eighth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners and will be broadcast via the Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to Mariners System.

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. An alternate route is available by using the GIWW, Morgan City to Port Allen Alternate Route.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge 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: February 4, 2013.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District.