[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 172 (Friday, September 4, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 47174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-23899]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD07-98-055]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Coast Guard has issued a 
temporary deviation to the regulation governing the operation of the 
East Venetian Causeway Drawbridge across Biscayne Bay, between Miami 
and Miami Beach, at Miami Beach, Dade County, Florida. This deviation 
allows the drawbridge owner or operator to close the bridge from 5 p.m. 
until 8 a.m. daily. The draw will open each hour on the hour from 8 
a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. The draw shall open at any time for public 
vessels of the United States, State and local vessels used in public 
safety, vessels in distress where a delay would endanger life or 
property, commercial vessels engaged in rescue or emergency salvage 
operations, and vessels seeking shelter from severe weather. This 
temporary deviation is issued to allow the bridge owner to safely 
conduct necessary repairs to the drawbridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on August 21 until 5 
p.m. on October 19, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Brodie Rich, Project Manager, 
Seventh Coast Guard District, Bridge Section at (305) 536-5117.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    The East Venetian Causeway Drawbridge across Biscayne Bay between 
Miami and Miami Beach, has a vertical clearance of 5.8 feet above mean 
high water (MHW) and 8 feet above mean low water (MLW) measured at the 
fenders in the closed position. On August 12, 1998, the State of 
Florida Department of Transportation requested a deviation from the 
current operating schedule in 33 CFR 117.269. This temporary deviation 
was requested to allow necessary repairs to the drawbridge and relieve 
concerns by the Venetian Isle residents that the leafs of the 
drawbridge might get caught in the open-to-navigation position, thereby 
stranding residents on the islands while the West Venetian Drawbridge 
over the Intracoastal Waterway is being replaced. The District 
Commander has granted a temporary deviation from the operating 
requirements listed in 33 CFR 117.269 governing the East Venetian 
Causeway Bridge across Biscayne Bay in accordance with the provisions 
of 33 CFR 117.35(a) for the purpose of conducting repairs to the 
drawbridge. Under this deviation, the East Venetian Causeway Drawbridge 
need open only on the hour from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. At all other 
times, the drawbridge may remain in the closed position. The deviation 
is effective for a period of 60 days beginning on August 21, 1998 and 
ending on October 19, 1998.

    Dated: August 24, 1998.
Norman T. Saunders,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 98-23899 Filed 9-3-98; 8:45 am]
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