[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 33404]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-16011]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-99-084]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Hackensack River, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard, has issued a temporary 
deviation from the drawbridge operation regulations governing the 
operation of the Portal Bridge, mile 5.0, across the Hackensack River 
at Little Snake Hill, New Jersey. This deviation authorizes the bridge 
owner to keep the bridge in the closed position for six weekends 
beginning 10 p.m. on Friday evening through 5 a.m. on Monday morning 
each weekend. This action is necessary to facilitate timber and mitre 
rail rehabilitation at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 10 p.m. on June 11 through 5 
a.m. on June 14, 1999; 10 p.m. on June 18 through 5 a.m. on June 21, 
1999; 10 p.m. on June 25 through 5 a.m. on June 28, 1999; 10 p.m. on 
July 9 through 5 a.m. on July 12, 1999; 10 p.m. on July 16 through 5 
a.m. on July 19, 1999; 10 p.m. on July 23 through 5 a.m. on July 26, 
1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Judy Yee, First Coast Guard 
District, Bridge Branch, at (212) 668-7165.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Portal Bridge, mile 5.0, across the 
Hackensack River has vertical clearances of 23 feet at mean high water, 
and 28 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The current 
operating regulations listed at 33 CFR 117.723(c) require the bridge to 
open on signal; except that, from Monday through Friday, except federal 
holidays, the draw need not open from 7:20 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. and from 
4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. At all other times, an opening may not be 
delayed for more than ten minutes, unless the drawtender and the vessel 
operator agree to a longer delay.
    The bridge owner, AMTRAK, requested a temporary deviation from the 
operating regulations for the Portal Bridge in order to conduct repairs 
to the bridge timber and mitre rails. This work will require the bridge 
to remain in the closed position and not open for vessel traffic during 
these repairs. Vessels that can pass under the bridge without an 
opening may do so at all times during the closed periods. This work is 
essential for public safety and the continued operation of the bridge. 
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.25(c), this work will be performed with 
all due speed to return the bridge to normal operation as soon as 
possible.
    This deviation to the operating regulations will allow the Portal 
Bridge, mile 5.0 across the Hackensack River in Little Snake Hill, New 
Jersey, to remain in the closed position as follows:

10 p.m. on June 11 through 5 a.m. on June 14, 1999.
10 p.m. on June 18 through 5 a.m. on June 21, 1999.
10 p.m. on June 25 through 5 a.m. on June 28, 1999.
10 p.m. on July 9 through 5 a.m. on July 12, 1999.
10 p.m. on July 16 through 5 a.m. on July 19, 1999.
10 p.m. on July 23 through 5 a.m. on July 26, 1999.

    At all other times the draw shall operate as published at 33 CFR 
117.723(c). This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized 
under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: June 11, 1999.
R.M. Larrabee,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 99-16011 Filed 6-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M