[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 189 (Friday, September 27, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 50712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-24862]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD09-96-008]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Grand River, MI

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

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

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has authorized a temporary deviation to the 
regulations governing the operations of the U.S. Route 31 highway 
bridge, mile 2.9 over the Grand River in Grand Haven, MI. This action 
was requested by the City of Grand Haven to reduce the effects of 
bridge openings on vehicular traffic while still providing for the 
reasonable needs of navigation.

.EFFECTIVE DATE: The effective date of this temporary deviation is 
August 5, to October 15, 1996. Comments must be received on or before 
October 30, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Documents concerning this regulation are available for 
inspection and copying at and comments may be mailed or delivered to 
1240 East Ninth Street, Room 2019B, Cleveland, OH 44199-2060 between 
6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal 
holidays. The telephone number is (216) 522-3993.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Bloom, Project Manager, 
Bridge Branch at (216) 522-3993.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Drafting Information

    The principal persons involved in drafting this document are Mr. 
Robert Bloom, Project Manager, and Lieutenant Commander Charles Dahill, 
Project Counsel, Ninth Coast Guard District.

Request for Comments

    The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to submit written 
data, or arguments for or against this deviation. Persons submitting 
comments should include their name, address, identify this rulemaking 
(CGD09-96-008) and give the reason for each comment. Persons wanting 
acknowledgement of receipt of comments should enclose a stamped self-
addressed post card or envelope. Persons may submit comment by writing 
to the Commander (obr), Ninth Coast Guard District listed under 
ADDRESSES.

Background and Purpose

    The City of Grand Haven, MI, has requested the Coast Guard approve 
a temporary deviation to the regulations which govern the U.S. Route 31 
highway bridge at mile 2.9 over the Grand River in Grand Haven, MI. The 
bridge presently opens on signal from 3 minutes before to 3 minutes 
after the hour and a half hour between 6:03 a.m. and 9:03 p.m. Because 
of consistent traffic volumes throughout the day and the low amount of 
requests to open the bridge, the City has requested the bridge be 
permitted to not open during early morning, midday, and afternoon 
periods when rush hour traffic is greatest. Additionally, the City has 
requested a reduction in required openings from every half hour to once 
an hour, on the half-hour. The commander, Ninth Coast Guard District, 
has given consideration to the City's request and the data provided 
have merit to support a temporary deviation to the operating 
regulations to determine feasibility for a permanent change.
    The District Commander granted the City of Grand Haven, MI a 
temporary deviation from the operating requirements listed in 33 CFR 
117.633 paragraph (c)(3) governing the U.S. Route 31 highway bridge 
over the Grand River. 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. Under this deviation, the U.S. Route 31 highway bridge 
operated by the City of Grand Haven shall open on signal from August 5, 
1996 to October 15, 1996 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., once an hour from 
3 minutes before to 3 minutes after the half-hour. The bridge need not 
open for the passage of vessels during the three minutes before to 
three minutes after the half-hour time frames at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 
4:30 p.m., or 5:30 p.m.

    Dated: July 31, 1996.
G. F. Woolever,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 96-24862 Filed 9-26-96; 8:45 am]
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