Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation from regulations

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations
Citation: FR Doc. 2011-9147 · Docket No. USCG-2011-0252 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the LA 1 vertical lift span bridge across Company Canal, mile 0.4, at Lockport, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to perform electrical rehabilitation work on the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for twelve consecutive hours each day from Monday through Thursday for three weeks.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on Monday, June 27, 2011 through 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2011.

Supplementary Information

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the vertical lift span bridge across Company Canal at mile 0.4 in Lockport, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. The vertical clearance of the bridge is 5 feet above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position and 50 feet above Mean High Water in the open-to-navigation position. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.438(a), the vertical lift span of the bridge currently opens on signal except that, from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the draw opens on signal if at least 4 hours notice is given. This deviation allows the vertical lift span of the bridge to remain closed to navigation from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday from Monday, June 27, 2011 through Thursday July 14, 2011. The closure is necessary in order to replace electrical conductors and conduit throughout the bridge structure, including the removal and replacement of all navigation lights on the span and fender system. This maintenance is essential for the continued operation of the bridge. Temporary navigational lighting will be provided during the closure and power outage period. 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 consists of commercial and recreational fishing vessels, small to medium crew boats, and small tugs with and without tows. The bridge opens for the passage of navigation an average of 16 times per month. There are two alternate waterway routes available via the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway east to Bayou Lafourche and west to Navigation Canal. Small vessels may pass under the bridge while in the closed-to-navigation position provided caution is exercised. 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: April 5, 2011. David M. Frank, Bridge Administrator. [FR Doc. 2011-9147 Filed 4-14-11; 8:45 am]