2012-11498. Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Cerritos Channel, Long Beach, CA

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Commodore Schuyler F. Heim Drawbridge across Cerritos Channel, mile 4.9, at Long Beach, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow California Department of Transportation to perform critical repair and replacement of electrical components for drawspan operation. This deviation allows the drawbridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.

DATES:

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 10, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of the docket USCG-2012-0369 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0369 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 H. Sulouff, Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast Guard District; 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 California Department of Transportation requested a temporary change to the operation of the Commodore Schuyler F. Heim Drawbridge, mile 4.9, over Cerritos Channel, at Long Beach, CA. The drawbridge navigation span provides a vertical clearance of 37 feet above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position and 163 feet in the full open to navigation position. Pursuant to § 117.147, the draw opens on signal; except that, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday except Federal holidays, the draw need not be opened for the passage of vessels. Navigation on the waterway is commercial, recreational, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

The drawspan will be secured in the closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. on June 10, 2012 to perform critical repair and replacement of electrical components for drawspan operation. The alternative path around Terminal Island will be available for routine and emergency navigation. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with commercial and recreational waterway users. No objections to the proposed temporary deviation were raised.

Vessels that can transit the bridge, while in the closed-to-navigation position, may continue to do so at any time.

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: April 26, 2012.

D.H. Sulouff,

District Bridge Chief, Eleventh Coast Guard District.