2010-18961. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Company Canal, Bourg, 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 LA 24 vertical lift span bridge across Company Canal, mile 8.1, at Bourg, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to perform electrical rehabilitation work on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for twelve consecutive days.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on Monday, October 25 through 10 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-0687 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2010-0687 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 e-mail Kay Wade, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast Guard; telephone [phone], e-mail [e-mail]. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the vertical lift span bridge across Company Canal at mile 8.1 in Bourg, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position is 5.17 feet above Mean High Water Elevation 3.0 feet Mean Sea Level.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.438(b), the vertical lift span of the bridge currently opens on signal except that, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the draw opens on signal if at least 4 hours notice is given. This deviation allows the vertical lift span of the bridge to remain closed to navigation for twelve consecutive days from 6 a.m. Monday, October 25 through 10 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2010.

The closure is necessary in order to replace electrical conductors and conduit throughout the bridge structure, including the removal and replacement of all navigation lights on the span and fender system. This maintenance is essential for the continued operation of the bridge. Temporary navigational lighting will be provided during the closure and power outage period. 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 of commercial and recreational fishing vessels, small to medium crew boats, and small tugs with and without tows. There are no commercial docks or marine type facilities within one mile of the bridge along Company Canal or Bayou Terrebonne. The bridge opens for the passage of navigation an average of 53 times per month. There are two alternate waterway routes available via the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway east to Bayou Lafourche and west to Navigation Canal. Small vessels may pass under the bridge while in the closed-to-navigation position provided caution is exercised. In an emergency, the bridge can be returned to operation with a 36 hour notice.

Due to prior experience and coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on vessels that use the waterway.

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: July 23, 2010.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator.