2015-10377. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Cerritos Channel, Long Beach, CA

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 Henry Ford Avenue railroad drawbridge across Cerritos Channel, mile 4.8, at Long Beach, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner to perform an annual bridge inspection. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the deviation period.

DATES:

This deviation is effective without actual notice from May 4, 2015 to 6 p.m. on May 6, 2015. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 7 a.m. on April 27, 2015, until May 4, 2015.

ADDRESSES:

The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2015-0293], 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 H. Sulouff, Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast Guard District; telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Port of Los Angeles has requested a temporary change to the operation of the Henry Ford Avenue railroad drawbridge, mile 4.8, over Cerritos Channel, at Long Beach, CA. The drawbridge navigation span provides 7 feet vertical clearance above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.147(b), the drawspan is maintained in the fully open position, except when a train is crossing or for maintenance. When the draw is in the closed position, it opens on signal. Navigation on the waterway is mainly commercial traffic, servicing ships entering and leaving the port.

The Port of Los Angeles has requested the drawbridge be allowed to remain closed to navigation from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 27, April 28, and May 6, 2015, so they can perform the annual bridge inspection, looking for cracks or damage. Mariners will need to contact the bridge tender to inquire as to the status of the drawbridge when transiting through. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with the waterway users. No objections to the proposed temporary deviation were raised.

Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies. There is an alternative route, transiting around the south side of Terminal Island, for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. The Coast Guard will inform waterway users of this temporary deviation via our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners, to minimize resulting navigational impacts.

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: April 24, 2015.

D.H. Sulouff,

District Bridge Chief, Eleventh Coast Guard District.