[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 21, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-14449]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 21, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-94-058]

 

Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Apponagansett River, 
Massachusetts

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations; request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has authorized the Town of Dartmouth, 
Massachusetts, to temporarily deviate for ninety (90) days from the 
operating regulations governing the Padanaram Bridge mile 1.0 over the 
Apponagansett River in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. This deviation limits 
the number of openings during peak traffic periods of the day. This 
deviation will permit evaluation of the regulated opening schedule on 
both marine and vehicular traffic in conjunction with the operation of 
new automatic, in lieu of manual, traffic gates.

DATES:
    (1) The deviation is effective for 90 days from June 3, 1994 
through August 31, 1994.
    (2) Comments on the effects of the deviation must be received on or 
before September 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Commander (obr), First Coast Guard 
District, Captain John Foster Williams Federal Building, 408 Atlantic 
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-3350. Comments and other materials 
referenced in this notice are available for inspection and copying by 
appointment at the above address. Normal office hours are between 6:30 
a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. 
Comments may also be hand-delivered to the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William C. Heming, Bridge Administrator, First Coast Guard District, 
(212) 668-7170.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    The Padanaram Bridge over the Apponagansett River between Dartmouth 
and South Dartmouth has a vertical clearance of 9' above mean high 
water (MHW) and 12' above mean low water (MLW). The current operating 
regulations (33 CFR 117.587) provide that from 1 May to 31 October from 
5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the bridge need open on signal only on the hour 
and half hour. At all other times at least six hours advance notice 
must be given.
    This deviation permits the bridge to open twice an hour, on the 
hour and half hour, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 
once an hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    In the spring of 1993, the Town of Dartmouth requested a change 
from the operating regulations to permit opening once an hour rather 
than twice an hour. The town selectmen felt that the traffic congestion 
during peak summer months was a result of the bridge opening every 30 
minutes and was causing village commerce to suffer. The selectmen also 
considered the 30 minute opening schedule a serious risk to public 
safety because emergency vehicles could not travel to and from South 
Dartmouth during the traffic delays caused by the bridge opening every 
half hour. The Town of Dartmouth requested that the bridge be required 
to open only once an hour for a test period of 60 days to evaluate the 
effects on vehicular and marine traffic. This request was approved and 
the first deviation from the permanent regulations was effective from 
July 1, 1993, through August 29, 1993. See (58 FR 38056; July 15, 
1993). It provided an opportunity to evaluate the effects of the 
deviation on marine and vehicular traffic. The Coast Guard implemented 
a second deviation for thirty-two days (32) to the regulations to 
evaluate alternative opening time periods for the Padanaram Bridge. See 
(58 FR 47067; Sep. 7, 1993). There were 29 comment letters received for 
these deviation periods. Twenty were in favor of the hourly openings 
and nine were opposed to the change. Most of the letters in opposition 
indicated that the lack of facilities to tie up vessels while waiting 
for openings was the main concern. The Town of Dartmouth has installed 
traffic signals, automatic traffic gates, navigational lights, 
clearance gauges and regulation signs since the last deviation period 
of 32 days was implemented.
    Additionally, a detailed engineering study has been prepared for 
major repairs to the bridge. The town has requested state funds for the 
proposed repairs and expects approval in the fall of 1994. The Coast 
Guard is authorizing a third deviation for a period of 90 days to 
evaluate the effects of the recent improvements to the bridge. This 
third temporary deviation retains the requirement for the bridge to 
open on signal as soon as possible for vessels of the United States, 
state and local vessels used for public safety and vessels in distress.

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in 
evaluation of possible changes to the regulations governing the 
Padanaram Bridge over the Apponagansett River by submitting written 
data, or arguments for or against the deviation. Persons submitting 
comments should include their name and address and identify this 
Rulemaking (CGD01-94-058) and the specific section of this deviation to 
which each comment applies, and give reason for each comment. Persons 
wanting acknowledgment of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped 
self-addressed post card or envelope.
    The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the 
comment period. If it appears appropriate to propose a permanent change 
to the regulations, the Coast Guard will publish a notice of proposed 
Rulemaking and request additional comments as part of the Rulemaking 
process. All comments received from this and the previous deviations 
will be considered in the Rulemaking process. Persons may submit 
comments by writing to the Commander (obr), First Coast Guard District 
listed under ADDRESSES.

Notice

    Notice is hereby given that:
    (1) The Coast Guard has granted the Town of Dartmouth, 
Massachusetts, a temporary deviation from the operating requirements 
listed in 33 CFR 117.587 paragraph (b) governing the Padanaram Bridge 
over the Apponagansett River.
    (2) This deviation from normal operating regulations is authorized 
in accordance with the provisions of 33 CFR 117.43 for the purpose of 
evaluating possible changes to the permanent regulations.
    (3) The period of deviation is effective June 3, 1994 to August 31, 
1994.
    (4) During the deviation period the Padanaram Bridge shall operate 
as follows:
    (i) From 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. the bridge 
shall open on signal, twice an hour, on the hour and the half hour.
    (ii) From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. the bridge shall open on signal once an 
hour, on the hour.
    (iii) From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the bridge shall open on signal if at 
least 6 hours advance notice is given.

    Dated: May 31, 1994.
K.W. Thompson,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Acting Commander, First Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 94-14449 Filed 6-20-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M