[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 6621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-3264]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD07-03-018]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Ashley River, Charleston, SC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, has approved a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
Ashley River (US 17) drawbridges across the Ashley River, miles 2.4 and 
2.5, Charleston, South Carolina. This temporary deviation allows the 
bridge owner or operator to keep all spans of the Ashley River 
drawbridges in the down or closed position for 16 days.

DATES: This temporary rule is effective from 7 a.m. on January 31, 2003 
to 7 a.m. on February 15, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Material received from the public as well as documents 
indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of 
docket [CGD07-03-018] and are available for inspection or copying at 
Commander (obr), Seventh Coast Guard District, Room 432, 909 S.E. 1st 
Avenue, Miami, Florida 33131-3050, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Lieberum, Project Manager, 
Seventh Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch at (305) 415-6744.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Ashley River (US 17) drawbridges across 
the Ashley River, miles 2.4 and 2.5 are double bascule leaf bridges, 
with vertical clearances of 14.0 feet at mean high water and horizontal 
clearances of 100 feet between fenders. The existing operating 
regulation in 33 CFR 117.915 requires the bridges to open on signal; 
except that, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and 4 p.m. to 
7 p.m. daily, the draws need be opened only if at least 12 hours notice 
is given. The draws of either bridge shall open as soon as possible for 
the passage of vessels in an emergency involving danger to life or 
property.
    On December 30, 2002, The Industrial Company (TLC), representing 
the South Carolina Department of Transportation, requested a temporary 
change to the operation of the Ashley River (US 17) drawbridges to 
allow them to complete the rehabilitation to the structure.
    This deviation will have a limited impact on navigation as there is 
only one marina west of the structure and they have been notified by 
the contractor of the possible closure of the structure. Mariners have 
the opportunity to relocate the vessels that would require a bridge 
opening to one of the marinas located east of the structure.
    The Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District has granted a temporary 
deviation from the operating requirements listed in 33 CFR 117.915 to 
allow The Industrial Company, representing the owner, to facilitate 
repairs to the bridge spans. Under this temporary deviation, the Ashley 
River drawbridges may remain closed to navigation from 7 a.m. on 
January 31, 2003, to 7 a.m. on February 15, 2003.

    Dated: January 29, 2003.
Greg Shapley,
Chief, Bridge Administration, Seventh Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 03-3264 Filed 2-7-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P