2011-18223. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lower Grand River, 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 in 33 CFR 117.478(b) governing the operation of the LA 77 bridge across the Lower Grand River, mile 47.0 (Alternate Route) at Grosse Tete, Iberville Parish, Louisiana. This deviation allows the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to maintain the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. At all others times, the bridge will operate normally for the passage of vessels. This temporary deviation was issued to allow for the repairs to the main girder of the bridge.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Wednesday July 20, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-0630 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2011-0252 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 David Frank, 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 LA 77 bridge across the Lower Grand River, mile 47.0 (Alternate Route) at Grosse Tete, Iberville Parish, Louisiana, has a vertical clearance of 2 feet above high water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited clearance in the open-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational craft. Coastal Bridge Company, on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development requested a temporary deviation from the normal operation of the bridge in order to effect repairs to the bridge.

This deviation allows the draw of the LA 77 swing drawbridge across the Lower Grand River, mile 47.0 (Alternate Route), at Grosse Tete, Iberville Parish, Louisiana, to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. Presently, the draw of the LA 77 bridge, mile 47.0 (Alternate Route) at Grosse Tete, shall open on signal; except that, from about August 15 to about June 5 (the school year), the draw need not be opened from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. The draw shall open on signal at any time for an emergency aboard a vessel.

The closure is necessary in order to install angles on the main girder and weld a crack on the bridge. The contractor has indicated that they may be able to operate the bridge during the closure and may be able to move their equipment out of the channel but the movement of the equipment may require several hours to complete immediate work and move equipment. 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.

No alternate routes are available for the passage of vessels; however, the closure was coordinated with waterway interests who have indicated that they will be able to adjust their operations around the proposed work schedule.

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: June 28, 2011.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator.