2012-13357. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, 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 Lapalco Boulevard bascule span drawbridge across the Harvey Canal Route, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), mile 2.8 at New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to allow for the removal and replacement of the span locks of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed for sixty consecutive hours during two consecutive weekends.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2012 until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 2, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0457 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2012-0457 in the “Keyword” box and then clicking “Search”. They are also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 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 rule, call or email David Frank, Bridge Branch Office, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Jefferson Parish has requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule for the Lapalco Boulevard Bridge across the Harvey Canal Route, Intracoastal Waterway, mile 2.8 at New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 45 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited in the open-to-navigation position; however, during the deviation time periods, the vertical clearance beneath the bridge will be reduced to 35 feet above mean high water.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.451(a), the bridge currently opens on signal for the passage of vessels; except that, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays, the draw need not be opened for the passage of vessels. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 6 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2012 until 6 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2012 and from 6 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2012 until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 2, 2012. At all other times, the bridge will open on signal for the passage of vessels in accordance with 33 CFR 117.451(a).

The closure is necessary in order to remove and replace the span lock systems. This maintenance is essential for the continued operation of the bridge. 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 on the waterway consists mainly of tugs with tows with some commercial fishing vessels and recreational craft. Coordination between the Coast Guard and the waterway users determined that there should not be any significant effects on these vessels. An alternate route is available via the GIWW (Algiers Alternate Route). The bridge can open during the maintenance for emergencies. Opening the bridge will take approximately 90 minutes to remove the tarps and equipment as required to open the bridge.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), 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: May 17, 2012.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator.