[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 14418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5612]



[[Page 14418]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-07-006]


Drawbridge Operating Regulations; Berwick Bay, (Atchafalaya 
River) Morgan City, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

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 
BNSF Railway Company Vertical Lift Span Bridge across Berwick Bay, mile 
0.4, (Atchafalaya River, mile 17.5) at Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, 
Louisiana. This deviation provides for the bridge to remain closed to 
navigation for 12 consecutive hours to conduct scheduled maintenance to 
the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on 
Thursday, June 14, 2007.

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, 
500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3310 between 7 a.m. 
and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
telephone number is (504) 671-2128. The Bridge Administration Branch 
maintains the public docket for this temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Frank, Bridge Administration 
Branch, telephone (504) 671-2128.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BNSF Railway Company has requested a 
temporary deviation in order to replace the railroad signal circuits of 
the BNSF Railway Railroad Vertical Lift Span Bridge across Berwick Bay, 
mile 0.4 (Atchafalaya River, mile 17.5) at Morgan City, St. Mary 
Parish, Louisiana. Replacement of the signal circuits is necessary to 
turn the lining of signals across the bridge into a fully automatic 
operation so that the bridge will be in full compliance with 
requirements of the Federal Railroad Administration. This temporary 
deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation 
position from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2007. The 
proposed work was previously scheduled for Wednesday, December 13, 2006 
and Wednesday, February 7, 2007, but had to be postponed. The bridge 
owner is now prepared to complete the work and has coordinated the 
closure with all departments within the railroad. There may be times, 
during the closure period, when the draw will not be able to open for 
emergencies.
    The bridge provides 4 feet of vertical clearance in the closed-to-
navigation position. Thus, most vessels will not be able to transit 
through the bridge site when the bridge is closed. Navigation on the 
waterway consists of tugs with tows, fishing vessels and recreational 
craft including sailboats and powerboats. Due to 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.
    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.

    Dated: March 20, 2007.
Marcus Redford,
Bridge Administrator.
[FR Doc. E7-5612 Filed 3-27-07; 8:45 am]
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