[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33222]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-98-101]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; New Jersey Intracoastal 
Waterway; Cape May Canal

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 regulations governing the operation of the 
Cape May Canal Railroad Bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), 
mile 115.1, in Cape May, New Jersey. From 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., December 
16, 17, and 18, 1998, the bridge will be maintained in the closed 
position. This closure is necessary to facilitate the ongoing 
reconstruction of the bridge's swing span.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day on 
December 16, 17, and 18, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ann B. Deaton, Bridge Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, at 
(757) 398-6222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cape May Canal Railroad Bridge is owned 
by New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT). The current regulations in 
Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 117.41 require the draw 
be maintained in the fully open position to permit the passage of 
vessels and drawtender service discontinued. The draw shall remain in 
the fully open position until drawtender service is restored or 
authorization under Section 117.39 is given for the draw to remain 
closed and untended.
    Under an agreement with NJT and Cape May Seashore Lines, Inc., 
(CMSL), CMSL would be responsible for reactivation of the rail service, 
the operation of the drawbridge and the bridge accessories. In December 
1997, the Coast Guard approved the reconstruction of the bridge for 
mechanical, electrical and structural repairs. On November 13, 1998, 
the Coast Guard received a request from CMSL to schedule daytime 
closures of the bridge to facilitate the ongoing reconstruction of the 
drawbridge. No openings were logged, since the bridge has been 
maintained in the fully open position to vessels since the late 1970's.
    The Coast Guard has advised the local Coast Guard units (USCG Group 
Atlantic City and Station Cape May) of the bridge's inability to open 
for vessels on the requested times and dates, and they did not object. 
CMSL has ensured that advance notification of the scheduled closures 
will be posted in the Atlantic City Press Cape May Edition, 
Additionally, the Coast Guard will inform the commercial/recreational 
users of the waterway of the bridge closures in the weekly Notice to 
Mariners so that these vessels can arrange their transits to avoid 
being negatively impacted by the temporary deviation.
    From 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., on 16, 17, and 18, December 1998, this 
deviation allows the Cape May Canal Railroad Bridge, ICW mile 115.1 in 
Cape May to remain closed.

    Dated: December 4, 1998.
Thomas E. Bernard,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Fifth Coast Guard District, Acting District 
Commander.
[FR Doc. 98-33222 Filed 12-15-98; 8:45 am]
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