[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 170 (Friday, August 31, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 44479]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18872]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0812]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Charenton Canal, Baldwin, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) 
Railway Company swing span bridge across Charenton Canal, mile 0.4, at 
Baldwin, LA. The deviation is necessary to complete repairs, install a 
bridge deck, and change out a generator. This deviation allows the 
bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for 48 hours.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 10 p.m. on September 2, 2018 
through 10 p.m. on September 4, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, USCG-2018-0812 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Ms. Donna Gagliano, Bridge Branch 
Office, Eighth District, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-2128, 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), the 
owner and operator of the BNSF swing span bridge across Charenton 
Canal, mile 0.4, at Baldwin, LA, requested a temporary deviation from 
the swing span drawbridge operating schedule to complete repairs, 
install a bridge deck, and change out a generator. The bridge has a 
vertical clearance of 10 feet in the closed-to-navigation position. The 
current operating schedule is set out in 33 CFR 117.5. The bridge 
currently opens on signal for the passage of vessels.
    This temporary deviation allows the bridge to remain closed-to-
navigation position for a 48 hour period from 10 p.m. on September 2, 
2018 through 10 p.m. on September 4, 2018. Navigation on the waterway 
consists mainly of tugs with tows, with some commercial fishing vessels 
and recreational craft. The bridge will be able to open for 
emergencies, however, an alternate route is available for mariners 
through the Berwick Locks. The alternate waterway route takes 
approximately 45 minutes to transit. The Coast Guard has carefully 
considered the restrictions with waterway users in publishing this 
temporary deviation. Due to prior experience, as well as coordination 
with waterway users, and the alternate route through Berwick Locks, 
this closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. The 
Coast Guard will also inform the waterway users of the change in 
operating schedule for the bridge through our Local Notice and 
Broadcast Notices to Mariners so that vessel operators can arrange 
their transits to minimize any impact caused by this temporary 
deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of each of this 
temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: August 27, 2018.
Douglas A. Blakemore
Bridge Administrator, U.S. Coast Guard Eighth District.
[FR Doc. 2018-18872 Filed 8-30-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


