
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 27, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 18480]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-06984]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0150]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Chef Menteur Pass, at Lake 
Catherine, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
regulation governing the operation of the U.S. Highway 90 swing highway 
bridge across the Chef Menteur Pass, mile 2.8, at Lake Catherine, 
Orleans Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to ensure the 
safety of pedestrians/bikers as they cross the bridge for the Ochsner 
Ironman 70.3 New Orleans event. This deviation allows the bridge to 
remain in the closed-to-navigation position continuously during the 
event.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on 
Sunday, April 21, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2013-0150] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this deviation. You may also visit the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
Department of Transportation West Building, 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 
temporary deviation, call or email Donna Gagliano, Bridge 
Administration Branch, Coast Guard, telephone (504) 671-2128, email 
Donna.Gagliano@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, 
call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 
202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The bridge owner approved the request for 
the closure of the U.S. Highway 90 swing bridge crossing the Chef 
Menteur Pass, mile 2.8, at Lake Catherine, Orleans, Parish, Louisiana. 
The bridge provides 10 feet vertical clearance in the closed-to-
navigation position at mean high water. Currently, according to 33 CFR 
117.436, the draw of the U.S. Highway 90 bridge, mile 2.8, shall open 
on signal; except that, from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need open only for the 
passage of vessels. The draw shall open at any time for a vessel in 
distress. This deviation allows the draw span of the bridge to remain 
closed to navigation from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 
2013, while the Ironman contenders travel across the bridge as part of 
the race course. Navigation on the waterway consists mainly of 
commercial fishermen and sportsman fishermen. As a result of 
coordination between the Coast Guard and the waterway users, it has 
been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on 
these vessels. The Coast Guard will inform users through the Local and 
Broadcast Notice to Mariners of the closure period. There is an 
alternate route available via The Rigolets Pass to vessel traffic. 
Vessels that can pass under the bridge in the closed-to-navigation 
position can do so at any time. The bridge will not be able to open for 
emergencies.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.436, 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 15, 2013.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-06984 Filed 3-26-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


