( printed page 17561)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Department of the Navy requested a temporary deviation from the operating schedule of the State Route 23 vertical lift span bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 3.8, at Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The 2017 New Orleans Air Show is being held on the weekend of April 22-23, 2017. The deviation will accommodate the anticipated vehicle traffic associated with the large amount of the general public that will attend this popular event. This temporary deviation will allow the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017 and from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2017.

In accordance with 33 CFR 117.451(b), the bridge currently opens on signal; except that, from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need not be opened for the passage of vessels.

The State Route 23 vertical lift span bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle Chasse, Louisiana has a vertical clearance of 40 feet above mean high water in the closed-to-navigation position and 100 feet above mean high water in the open-to-navigation position. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of tugs with tows, commercial fishing vessels, and occasional recreational craft. Mariners may use the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (Harvey Canal) as an alternate.

The Coast Guard has coordinated the closure with waterway users, industry, and other Coast Guard units. It has been determined that this closure will not have a significant effect on vessel traffic. The bridge will not be able to open for emergencies during the closure period.

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.

82 FR 17560