Drawbridge Operation Regulations:

Federal Register: January 10, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 6)

Rules and Regulations

Page 1359-1360

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr10ja11-14

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117

Docket No. USCG-2010-1063

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Vermillion River, Lafayette

Parish, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

Page 1360

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the

Milton (LA 92) bridge across the Vermillion River, mile 37.6, in

Milton, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. This deviation is necessary to allow timely bridge rehabilitation to improve overall traffic, boat and pedestrian safety. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on January 10, 2011 through 11:59 p.m. on February 18, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG-2010-1063 and are available online by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2010-1063 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 e-mail Mr. Jim Wetherington, Bridge Management Specialist,

District 8 Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-2132; e- mail james.r.wetherington@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development requests a temporary deviation from the published regulation for the Milton (LA 92) bridge (4 feet vertical clearance when closed at mean High water) across the Vermillion River as required by 33 CFR 117.5: Except as otherwise authorized or required by this part, drawbridges must open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request or signal to open is given in accordance with this subpart. Currently, according to 33 CFR 117.509(b)(4), the draw of the Milton (LA 92) bridge shall open on signal; except that from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development requests a deviation to allow the bridge to remain closed to marine traffic from 12:01 a.m. on January 10, 2011 through 11:59 p.m. on February 18, 2011.

This time period has been coordinated through the waterway users and the responsible Coast Guard Units. There is no alternative route around the project.

This deviation will allow the rehabilitation of the bridge to be completed in a timely fashion. This rehab is necessary to extend the bridge life and optimize traffic and boat operations. It will also improve overall traffic, boat and pedestrian safety.

The deviation dates and schedule were chosen to minimize significant effect on vessel traffic. Any vessel that does not require an opening of the drawspan may pass at any time; the vertical clearance is four feet mean high water when closed.

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. This deviation may be terminated/ cancelled at anytime via Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

Dated: December 21, 2010.

David M. Frank,

Bridge Administrator.

FR Doc. 2011-168 Filed 1-7-11; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 9110-04-P