[Federal Register: October 21, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 203)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 60033-60034]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21oc03-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD08-03-041]
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 at
various times from November 3, 2003 through November 17, 2003. The
deviation is necessary to perform rehabilitation and post-tensioning
work on the drawbridge.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. on November 3, 2003
through 3 p.m. on November 17, 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: David Frank, Bridge Administration
Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation
and Development has requested a temporary deviation in order to perform
rehabilitation and post-tensioning work on 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 9
a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday from November 3, 2003 until
November 17, 2003. The bridge will open for the passage of vessels from
noon until 12:30 p.m. during the closure period. If the work is
accomplished in a shorter period of time, the bridge will be returned
to normal operation in accordance with Title 33, Code of Federal
Regulations, Section 117.478(b). Notice of return to normal operations
prior to November 17, 2003 will be published by Broadcast Notice to
Mariners.
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.
Based on prior experience, as well as coordination with waterway users,
it has been determined that this 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(b), the draw of the LA 77 bridge, mile 47.0 (Alternate Route)
at Grosse Tete, opens 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 opens on signal at any time for an
emergency aboard a
[[Page 60034]]
vessel. 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: October 14, 2003.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-26556 Filed 10-20-03; 8:45 am]
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