Rules and Regulations. Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation
Citation: FR Doc. 2017-05810 · Docket No. USCG-2017-0100 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad swing span drawbridge across Des Allemands Bayou, mile 14.0, at Des Allemands, St. Charles and Lafourche Parishes, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to install two open-deck spans for increased reliability of bridge operations. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for two (2) separate, two-day periods.

Dates

This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on April 20, 2017 through 12 noon on April 28, 2017.

Supplementary Information

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule for the swing span drawbridge across Des Allemands Bayou, mile 14.0, at Des Allemands, St. Charles and Lafourche Parishes, Louisiana. The deviation was requested to install two open-deck spans, one on each side of the existing swing span, to increase the reliability of bridge opening and closing operations. The draw currently operates under 33 CFR 117.440(b). The draw of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Bridge, Mile 14.0, shall open on signal Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. At all other times the draw shall open on signal if at least 4 hours notice is given. For purposes of this deviation, the bridge will remain closed to navigation for two separate dates, 30 hours each, from 6 a.m. April 20, 2017 through 12 noon, April 21, 2017 and from 6 a.m., April 27, 2017 through 12 noon, April 28, 2017. During this deviation, vessels will not be allowed to pass through the bridge. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 3 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited in the open-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists of tugs with tows, fishing vessels and recreational craft. The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway through our Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the change in operating schedule for the bridge. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to pass. 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: March 17, 2017. Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2017-05810 Filed 3-22-17; 8:45 am]