[Federal Register: May 9, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 90)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 24883]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09my03-20]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD08-03-020]
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Lower Grand River (Alternate
Route), Grosse Tete, LA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the
Grosse Tete Swing Span Highway Bridge across Lower Grand River
(Alternate Route), mile 47.0, at Grosse Tete, Iberville Parish, LA.
This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation from
May 20, 2003, through May 22, 2003. The deviation is necessary to
conduct scheduled maintenance to the drawbridge.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 6:30 a.m. on May 20, 2003,
through 8:30 p.m. on May 22, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for
inspection or copying at the office of the Eighth Coast Guard District,
Bridge Administration Branch, Hale Boggs Federal Building, room 1313,
501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3396 between 7 a.m.
and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The
telephone number is (504) 589-2965. The Bridge Administration Branch of
the Eighth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this
temporary deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kay Wade, Bridge Administration
Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation
and Development has requested a temporary deviation in order to remove
and replace the swing cylinders of the swing span bridge across Lower
Grand River (Alternate Route) at mile 47.0 at Grosse Tete, Iberville
Parish, Louisiana. This maintenance is essential for the continued safe
operation of the bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge
to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 6:30 a.m. on
Tuesday, May 20, 2003, through 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2003.
The swing span bridge has a vertical clearance of 2.5 feet above
mean high water, elevation 9.0 feet Mean Sea Level and 11.5 feet above
mean low water, elevation 0.0 Mean Sea Level in the closed-to-
navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists
mainly of tows with barges and some recreational craft. There are no
commercial fishermen that transit the waterway at the bridge site. Due
to prior experience, as well as coordination with water way users, it
has been determined that this three day closure will not have a
significant effect on these vessels. The bridge normally opens to pass
navigation an average of 490 times per month. In accordance with 33 CFR
117.478, the draw of the LA 77 bridge, mile 47.0 (Alternate Route) at
Grosse Tete, shall open on signal; except that, from about August 15 to
about June 5 (the school year), the draw need not be opened from 6 a.m.
to 8 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday except
Federal holidays. The draw shall open on signal at any time for an
emergency aboard a vessel. The bridge will not be able to open for
emergencies during the closure period. Alternate routes are available.
Mariners may transit the area via the Mississippi River through the
Harvey Canal lock or via the Atchafalaya River through the Old River
lock.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed
with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as
soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: April 28, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-11601 Filed 5-8-03; 8:45 am]
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