2011-29043. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Calcasieu River, Westlake, 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 Union Pacific Railroad swing bridge across the Calcasieu River, mile 36.4, at Westlake, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to upgrade the electrical and mechanical systems of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation on three different dates in November.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011 through 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 24, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1020 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov,, inserting USCG-2011-1020 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 Kay Wade, Bridge Administration Branch, 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:

The Union Pacific Railroad has requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule for the swing span bridge across the Calcasieu River, mile 36.4, at Westlake, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The swing span bridge has a vertical clearance of 1.07 feet above mean high water, elevation 3.56 feet Mean Gulf Level in the closed-to-navigation position.

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 closed-to-navigation from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, Thursday, November 17, and Thursday, November 24, 2011. The swing span of the bridge will open for the passage of vessels from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 17 and Thursday, November 24, 2011.

The closures are necessary in order to remove the existing structural steel, shafts, and gears; and to install two new main drive motors, gears, and wiring on both sides of the pivot pier of the turn span. 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 is minimal at the bridge site. The very limited commercial traffic at the bridge site consists of commercial tugs with tows. There are only two companies that transit above the bridge. The bridge will be able to open for emergencies if necessary. There are no alternate waterway routes available. Based on experience and coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that these closures 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: November 1, 2011.

Eric A. Washburn,

Bridge Administrator.