[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 99 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27961-27962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-13511]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD07-97-026]
RIN-2115-AE47


Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, 
Florida

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is hereby giving notice that the Florida 
Department of Transportation has been granted permission to temporarily 
deviate from the regulations governing the Royal Park (SR 704) 
drawbridge mile 1022.6 at Palm Beach, from April 14, 1997 through June 
14, 1997 for the purpose of conducting structural repairs and painting 
the bridge structure. This deviation authorizes the bridge owner to 
open only one leaf of the draw when necessary to pass navigation, and 
requires vessel operators to provide four hours advance notice to the 
bridgetender prior to obtaining a double leaf opening. This revised 
opening procedure is intended to expedite bridge repairs and 
maintenance operations,

[[Page 27962]]

without unreasonably impacting navigation.

DATES: This deviation is effective from April 14, 1997 through June 14, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to Commander (oan), Seventh Coast 
Guard District, 909 SE 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131-3050. The 
telephone number is (305) 536-6546. The comments and other materials 
referenced in this notice will be available for inspection and copying 
at the above address. Normal office hours are between 7:30 am and 4:00 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also 
be hand-delivered to Room 406 at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Miss Evelyn Smart, Project Manager, 
Seventh Coast Guard District (oan), (305) 536-6546.

Background and Purpose

    The Royal Park (SR 704) Drawbridge over the Atlantic Intracoastal 
Waterway at Palm Beach has a vertical clearance of 14.6 feet (4.45m) 
above Mean High Water (MHW) and 17 feet (5.18m) above Mean Low Water 
(MLW) in the closed position. On 14 March 1997, the Archer-Western 
Contractors, Ltd, representing the Florida Department of 
Transportation, requested a deviation from the current operating 
schedule in 33 CFR 117.261 paragraphs (a) and (v) governing the Royal 
Park Drawbridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The 
deviation was requested to facilitate structural repairs and painting 
operations on the existing deteriorated structure.
    The District Commander granted the Florida Department of 
Transportation, a temporary deviation from the operating requirements 
listed in 33 CFR 117.261 paragraph (a) and (v) governing the Royal Park 
Drawbridge over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. This deviation from 
normal operating regulations is authorized in accordance with the 
provisions of 33 CFR 117.43 for the purpose of expediting bridge 
repairs and painting of the bridge structure. Under this deviation, the 
Royal Park Drawbridge, operated by the Florida Department of 
Transportation, shall open only one leaf of the draw, on signal, to 
pass navigation and shall open both leafs of the draw when four hours 
advance notice is given to the bridgetender. From April 14, 1997 to May 
31, 1997, Monday through Friday except Federal holidays, from 8 a.m. to 
9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., the draw need open only at 
8:45 a.m., 4:15 p.m., and 5 p.m. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the draw 
need open only on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour. Public 
vessels of the United States and tugs with tows are not exempted from 
this deviation. Vessels in a situation where a delay would endanger 
life or property shall be passed through the draw as soon as a double 
leaf opening can be safely accomplished. From June 1, 1997 to June 14, 
1997, the draw shall open on signal. This deviation is effective for a 
period of 60 days beginning on April 14, 1997 and ending on June 14, 
1997.

    Dated: May 7, 1997.
J.W. Lockwood,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 97-13511 Filed 5-21-97; 8:45 am]
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