[Federal Register: July 27, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 143)]
[Notices]               
[Page 44672-44673]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27jy04-957]                         

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-04-026]
RIN 1625-AA09

 
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, 
LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Commander Eighth Coast Guard District is issuing a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Almonaster Avenue (L & N Railroad/Old Gentilly Road) bascule span 
bridge across the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, mile 2.9 at

[[Page 44673]]

New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. This deviation will allow the 
Port of New Orleans to close the bridge to navigation from 7 a.m. on 
Thursday, July 29, 2004 until 7 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2004 to 
conduct necessary repairs on the bridge.

DATES: This temporary deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Thursday, 
July 29, 2004 until 7 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this temporary deviation 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 Eighth District 
Bridge Administration Branch maintains the public docket for this 
temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phil Johnson, Bridge Administration 
Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Port of New Orleans requested a 
temporary deviation from the normal operation of the drawbridge in 
order to replace a damaged link pin bushing in the inboard side of the 
strain arm. This bushing has been damaged as the result of numerous 
bridge allisions that have occurred recently. The repairs are necessary 
to ensure the continued operation of the drawbridge. This temporary 
deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position from 7 a.m. on Thursday, July 29, 2004 until 7 a.m. on Friday, 
July 30, 2004. In the event of an approaching tropical storm or 
hurricane, prior to commencement of repairs, the work will be 
rescheduled and the bridge will continue to operate normally.
    The bridge has a vertical clearance of one foot above high water in 
the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited clearance in the open-
to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists of tugs 
with tows, small ships, fishing vessels, sailing vessels, and other 
recreational 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 not 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: July 15, 2004.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 04-17053 Filed 7-26-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-15-P