Rules and Regulations. Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation
Citation: FR Doc. 2015-08487 · Docket No. USCG-2015-0259 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the U.S. Highway 90 swing highway bridge across the Chef Menteur Pass, mile 2.8, at Lake Catherine, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to ensure the safety of participants in the Ochsner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans event as they travel across the bridge as part of the bike and run courses. ** This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position continuously during the event.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. through 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015.

Supplementary Information

The Coast Guard received a request for a temporary deviation for the U.S. Highway 90 swing bridge crossing the Chef Menteur Pass, mile 2.8, at Lake Catherine, Orleans Parish, Louisiana to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for a six-hour period during the Ochsner Ironman 70.3, on April 19, 2015. The bridge owner also received a request to close the bridge to all traffic during the Ironman event, which was approved. The bridge provides 10 feet vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position at mean high water. Currently, according to 33 CFR 117.436, the draw of the U.S. Highway 90 Bridge, mile 2.8, shall open on signal; except that, from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need open only for the passage of vessels. The draw shall open at any time for a vessel in distress. This deviation allows the draw span of the bridge to remain closed to navigation between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015, while the Ironman participants travel across the bridge as part of the bike and race courses. Navigation on the waterway consists of mainly commercial fishermen and sportsman fishermen. As a result of coordination between the Coast Guard and the waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. The Coast Guard will inform users through the Local and Broadcast Notice to Mariners of the closure period. There is an alternate route available via the Rigolets Pass to vessel traffic. Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position can do so at any time. For the duration of the event, the bridge will not be able to open for emergencies. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35, 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 8, 2015. Eric Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2015-08487 Filed 4-13-15; 8:45 am]**