Rules and Regulations. Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation
Citation: FR Doc. 2014-26088 · Docket No. USCG-2014-0889 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Henry Ford Avenue railroad drawbridge across Cerritos Channel, mile 4.8, at Long Beach, CA. The deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner to make necessary bridge maintenance repairs. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position during the deviation period.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. on November 12, 2014, to 5 p.m. on November 17, 2014.

Supplementary Information

The Port of Los Angeles has requested a temporary change to the operation of the Henry Ford Avenue railroad drawbridge, mile 4.8, over Cerritos Channel, at Long Beach, CA. The drawbridge navigation span provides 7 feet vertical clearance above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.147(b), the drawspan is maintained in the fully open position, except when a train is crossing or for maintenance. When the draw is in the closed position, it opens on signal. Navigation on the waterway is mainly recreational, emergency response and commercial tug and barge combinations between the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Port of Los Angeles has requested the drawbridge be allowed to remain closed to navigation at various times from 5 a.m. on November 12, 2014 to 5 p.m. on November 17, 2014, so they can perform replacement of the auxiliary counterweight wire ropes on the drawbridge. The vertical lift span will be secured in the closed to navigation position at various times as follows: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. November 12, 2014; 2:30 p.m. on November 12, 2014 to 6:30 a.m. on November 13, 2014; 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 14, 2014; and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 17, 2014. Mariners must contact the bridge tender to obtain status of the drawbridge when planning transits between the ports. This temporary deviation has been coordinated with the waterway users. No objections to the proposed temporary deviation were raised. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at anytime. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies. There is an alternative route, transiting around the south side of Terminal Island, for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. The Coast Guard will inform waterway users of this temporary deviation via our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners, to minimize resulting navigational impacts. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35. Dated: October 22, 2014. D.H. Sulouff, District Bridge Chief, Eleventh Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2014-26088 Filed 10-31-14; 8:45 am]