[Federal Register: November 25, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 227)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 70552]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25no02-12]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-02-039]

 
Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, 
New Orleans, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

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 
SR 46 (St. Claude Avenue) bridge across the Inner Harbor Navigation 
Canal, mile 0.5 (GIWW mile 6.2 East of Harvey Lock) in New Orleans, 
Orleans Parish, Louisiana. This deviation allows the bridge to remain 
closed to navigation from 6:45 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, 
December 4, 2002. This temporary deviation is necessary to allow for 
the replacement of the lakeside lower forward roller assembly for the 
operating strut guide of the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6:45 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. on 
Wednesday, December 4, 2002.

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 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 Board of Commissioners of the Port of 
New Orleans has requested a temporary deviation in order to replace the 
lakeside lower forward roller assembly for the operating strut guide of 
the bridge. These repairs are necessary for the continued operation of 
the bridge. This deviation allows the draw of the St. Claude Avenue 
bascule bridge across the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, mile 0.5 (GIWW 
mile 6.2 East of Harvey Lock), to remain closed to navigation from 6:45 
a.m. until 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2002.
    The bascule bridge has a vertical clearance of 1 foot above high 
water in the closed-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway 
consists mainly of tugs with tows and some ships. The bridge normally 
opens to pass navigation an average of eight times during the deviation 
period. In accordance with 33 CFR 117.458(a), the draw of the bridge 
opens on signal; except that, from 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:45 
p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, the 
draw need not open for the passage of vessels. Normally, the draw is 
required to open at any time for a vessel in distress. However, the 
bridge will not be able to open for emergencies during the closure 
period. An alternate route is available to mariners by proceeding down 
the Mississippi River to Venice, Louisiana, crossing the Breton Sound 
and proceeding up the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.
    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: November 15, 2002.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 02-29906 Filed 11-22-02; 8:45 am]

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