Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 2011-8516 · Docket No. USCG-2011-0095 · 33 CFR 117

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 perform maintenance and updates to the bridge's operating system. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation during night operations on two separate occasions.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 11 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2011, through 5 a.m. on Monday, April 25, 2011, and from 11 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, 2011, through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.

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 11 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2011, through 5 a.m. on Monday, April 25, 2011, and from 11 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, 2011, through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2011. The closure is necessary in order to perform maintenance and updates to the bridge's operating system while minimizing the exposure of personnel to hazards associated with performing work of a complicated nature in the dark. 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 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: March 31, 2011. David M. Frank, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 2011-8516 Filed 4-8-11; 8:45 am]