Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 03-11601 · CGD08-03-020 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Grosse Tete Swing Span Highway Bridge across Lower Grand River (Alternate Route), mile 47.0, at Grosse Tete, Iberville Parish, LA. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation from May 20, 2003, through May 22, 2003. The deviation is necessary to conduct scheduled maintenance to the drawbridge.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 6:30 a.m. on May 20, 2003, through 8:30 p.m. on May 22, 2003.

Supplementary Information

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has requested a temporary deviation in order to remove and replace the swing cylinders of the swing span bridge across Lower Grand River (Alternate Route) at mile 47.0 at Grosse Tete, Iberville Parish, Louisiana. This maintenance is essential for the continued safe operation of the bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2003, through 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2003. The swing span bridge has a vertical clearance of 2.5 feet above mean high water, elevation 9.0 feet Mean Sea Level and 11.5 feet above mean low water, elevation 0.0 Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of tows with barges and some recreational craft. There are no commercial fishermen that transit the waterway at the bridge site. Due to prior experience, as well as coordination with water way users, it has been determined that this three day closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. The bridge normally opens to pass navigation an average of 490 times per month. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.478, 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 bridge will not be able to open for emergencies during the closure period. Alternate routes are available. Mariners may transit the area via the Mississippi River through the Harvey Canal lock or via the Atchafalaya River through the Old River lock. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. Dated: April 28, 2003. Marcus Redford, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 03-11601 Filed 5-8-03; 8:45 am]