[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 184 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 51444]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-24800]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-99-162]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Hackensack River, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the drawbridge operation regulations governing 
the operation of the Portal Bridge, mile 5.0, across the Hackensack 
River in Little Snake Hill, New Jersey. This deviation allows the 
bridge owner to keep the bridge in the closed position from 9 p.m. on 
September 24, 1999, to 9 a.m. on September 25, 1999, and from 9 p.m. on 
September 25, 1999, to 9 a.m. on September 26, 1999. This deviation is 
necessary to facilitate the rehabilitation of the signal and switch 
system at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from September 24, 1999, to 
September 26, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Judy Yee, Project Officer, First 
Coast Guard District, 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 rehabilitate 
the signal and switch system at the bridge. This work will require the 
Portal Bridge to remain in the closed position from 9 p.m. on September 
24, 1999, to 9 a.m. on September 25, 1999, and from 9 p.m. on September 
25, 1999, to 9 a.m. on September 26, 1999. 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.
    Thirty days notice to the Coast Guard for approval of this 
maintenance repair was not given by the bridge owner and was not 
required because this work involves vital, unscheduled maintenance that 
must be performed without undue delay.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(c), this work will be performed 
with all due speed in order to return the bridge to normal operation as 
soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: September 14, 1999.
Robert F. Duncan,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 99-24800 Filed 9-22-99; 8:45 am]
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