[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 232 (Wednesday, December 3, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 63847]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31738]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-97-082]
RIN 2115-AE47


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; New Jersey Intracoastal 
Waterway, Manasquan River

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Brielle Railroad Bridge across the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway, 
Manasquan River at mile 0.9, in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Beginning 
January 12 through March 13, 1998, this deviation allows the bridge to 
remain closed to navigation between the hours of 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.; 
10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; and 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday excluding holidays. This closure is necessary to 
facilitate extensive repairs and maintain the bridge's operational 
integrity while still providing for the reasonable needs of navigation.

DATES: The deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on January 12, 1998 until 
3:30 p.m. on March 13, 1998.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Brielle Railroad Bridge is owned and 
operated by New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit). On October 7, 1997, a 
letter was forwarded to the Coast Guard by NJ Transit requesting a 
temporary deviation from the normal operation of the bridge to 
implement extensive repairs. Presently, the draw is required to open on 
signal at all times. These repairs entail replacement or reinforcement 
of stringers, floor beams, laterals and bearings. Removing the existing 
rivets and installing bolts is a major portion of the work. To perform 
these repairs, and use equipment and labor safety, maintaining the 
drawbridge span in the closed position is needed part of the time.
    Discussions with marine interests revealed that approximately four 
commercial party vessels transit through the bridge during the winter 
months. However, these vessels normally depart between the hours of 6 
a.m. and 8 a.m. Vessels engaged in half day transits return around 
noon, with full day transits returning at 6 p.m. Therefore, these 
vessels are not expected to be negatively impacted by the temporary 
deviation.
    From January 12 until March 13, 1998, this deviation allows the 
draw of the Brielle Railroad Bridge to remain closed to navigation 
between the hours of 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.; 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; 1 p.m. 
to 2 p.m.; and 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding 
holidays.

    Dated: November 12, 1997.
Roger T. Rufe, Jr.,
Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 97-31738 Filed 12-2-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M