[Federal Register: April 13, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 69)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16782]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13ap09-9]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[USCG-2009-0230]
Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Gulf Intracoastal Waterway,
Belle Chasse, 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
Louisiana State Route 23 (LA 23) vertical lift span bridge, also known
as the Judge Perez Bridge, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
(Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle Chasse, Plaquemines
Parish, Louisiana. This deviation provides for the bridge to remain
closed to navigation for six hours a day for 21 consecutive days in
order to perform scheduled maintenance.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 9 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009
until 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-0230 and are available online
at www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection or
copying at two locations: The Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S.
Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays; and 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Frank, Bridge Administration
Branch, telephone (504) 671-2128.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation
and Development (LDOTD) has requested a temporary deviation in order to
perform maintenance on the State Route 23 (LA 23) vertical lift span
bridge, also known as the Judge Perez Bridge, across the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle
Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This maintenance is necessary to
make mechanical repairs to the lift towers of the bridge. This
temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain closed-to-
navigation position from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily from Monday, May 18,
2009 until Sunday, June 7, 2009. During the closure the draw will not
be able to open for emergencies. Currently, the draw opens on signal;
except that, from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need not be
opened for the passage of vessels.
The State Route 23 vertical lift span drawbridge across the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle
Chasse, Louisiana has a vertical clearance of 40 feet above mean high
water in the closed-to-navigation position and 100 feet above mean high
water in the open-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway
consists primarily of tugs with tows, commercial fishing vessels, and
occasional recreational craft. Mariners may use the Gulf Intracoastal
Waterway (Harvey Canal) to avoid unnecessary delays. The Coast Guard
has coordinated this closure with the Gulf Intracoastal Canal
Association (GICA). The GICA representative indicated that the vessel
operators will be able to schedule transits through the bridge such
that operations will not significantly be hindered. Thus, it has been
determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on
these vessels. This closure is considered necessary for repair of the
bridge.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: March 30, 2009.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-8304 Filed 4-10-09; 8:45 am]
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