[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12476-12477]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4919]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG-2012-0108]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Lake Pontchartrain, Between
Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes, LA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District has issued a
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the
north bascule span of the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission
Causeway across Lake Pontchartrain between Metairie, Jefferson Parish
and Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. This deviation allows
the draws of the bridge to remain closed to navigation for four days to
allow for the repair and maintenance of mechanical parts of the
bascule.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13,
2012 until 6 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in
the docket are part of docket USCG-2012-0108 and are available online
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2012-0108 in the
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search.'' They are also available
for inspection or copying at 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule,
call or email Mr. Jim Wetherington, Bridge Specialist, Eighth Coast
Guard District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-2128
or email [email protected]. If you have questions on
viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.
[[Page 12477]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Greater New Orleans Expressway
Commission requested a temporary deviation from the published
regulation for the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission Causeway
bascule bridge across Lake Pontchartrain. The bridge provides 42.6 feet
of vertical clearance when closed above mean high water, and unlimited
clearance above MHW in the open-to-navigation position. Currently,
according to 33 CFR 117.467(b), the draw of the Greater New Orleans
Expressway Commission Causeway bascule bridge shall open on signal if
at least three hours notice is given; except that the draw need not be
open for the passage of vessels Monday through Fridays except Federal
holidays, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.. The draw
will open on signal for any vessel in distress or vessel waiting
immediately following the closures listed above.
This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed to navigation for
four (4) days from 6 a.m. on March 13, 2012 through 6 p.m. on March 16,
2012.
Navigation on the waterway consists mainly of recreational vessels.
The Coast Guard has coordinated the closure with other Coast Guard
units. These dates and this schedule were chosen to minimize the
effects on vessel traffic; however, vessels that may pass under the
bridge in the closed-to-navigation position can do so any anytime. The
bridge will not be able to open for emergencies.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35, this work will be performed with
flexibility in order to return the bridge to normal operations as soon
as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: February 10, 2012.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-4919 Filed 2-29-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P