[Federal Register: May 26, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 102)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 29864-29865]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26my04-4]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-04-021]

 
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Atchafalaya River; Melville, 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 
Melville Railroad Vertical Lift Bridge across the Atchafalaya River, 
mile 107.4, near Melville, St. Landry and Pointe Coupee Parishes, 
Louisiana. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for two (2) four-hour segments each day on Friday and 
Saturday, June 11-12, 2004. The deviation is necessary to repair and 
replace rails on the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Friday June 11, 2004, 
until 5 p.m. on Saturday June 12, 2004.

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, 
500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3310 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 Union Pacific Railroad has requested a 
temporary deviation in order to remove and replace rails on the 
Melville Railroad Vertical Lift Bridge across the Atchafalaya River, 
mile 107.4, near Melville, St. Landry and Pointe Coupee Parishes, 
Louisiana. The repairs are necessary to ensure the safety of the 
bridge. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the 
closed-to-navigation position from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. 
until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2004, and Saturday, June 12, 2004.
    The bridge has a vertical clearance of four feet above mean high 
water in the closed-to-navigation position and 54 feet above mean high 
water in the open-

[[Page 29865]]

to-navigation position. Navigation at the site of the bridge consists 
mainly of tows with barges and some recreational pleasure craft. Due to 
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. No alternate routes are available. The bridge will be 
able to open for emergencies.
    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: May 13, 2004.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 04-11893 Filed 5-25-04; 8:45 am]

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