ACTION:
Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulations.
SUMMARY:
The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the operation of the US 90 highway bridge (East Pearl River Bridge), a swing span bridge across the Pearl River, mile 8.8 between Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana and Pearlington, Hancock County, Mississippi. The deviation is necessary in order to conduct electrical and structural repairs to the bridge. This deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position for four consecutive days.
DATES:
This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2015, through 7 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015.
ADDRESSES:
Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket [USCG-2015-0479]. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number (USCG-2015-0479) in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. 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 Mr. Jim Wetherington, Bridge Administration Branch, Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-2128, email d8dpball@uscg.mil . If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Boh Bros. Construction Company, on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule on the US 90 highway bridge (East Pearl River Bridge), a swing span bridge across the Pearl River, mile 8.8 between Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana and Pearlington, Hancock County, Mississippi. The bridge has a vertical clearance of 10 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited clearance in the open-to-navigation position.
Navigation at the site of the bridge consists mainly of small tows with barges, some commercial sightseeing boats, and some recreational pleasure craft. Based on prior experience, as well as coordination with waterway users, it has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on these vessels. No alternate routes are available.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.486(b), the draw of the US 90 highway bridge shall open on signal; except that, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given. Vessels that do not require an opening will be allowed to pass at the slowest safe speed. The bridge will be unable to open in the event of an emergency.
The closure is necessary for the replacement of structural and electrical components of the draw span and two submarine cables. These operations will continue until completed and will not allow the normal operation of the bridge. Normal operations of the bridge will commence upon completion of the work. Notices will be published in the Eighth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners and will be broadcast via the Coast Guard Broadcast Notice to Mariners System.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
Dated: June 11, 2015.
David M. Frank,
Bridge Administrator, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2015-14715 Filed 6-15-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P