[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 121 (Tuesday, June 24, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 37417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15926]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-03-059]
RIN 1625-AA-09


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, 
AICW, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has approved a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
existing S168 (Great Bridge) swing-span bridge across the Albemarle and 
Chesapeake Canal, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) mile 12.0, at 
Chesapeake, Virginia to allow the bridge owner to conduct needed 
construction of the new S168 (Great Bridge) lift-span bridge. The work 
will be performed on four three-day closure periods to navigation.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 8 a.m. on July 22, 2003, to 8 
a.m. on August 22, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Brazier, Bridge Management 
Specialist, Fifth Coast Guard District, at (757) 398-6422.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Tidewater Skanska Corporation (TSC), on 
behalf of the bridge owner (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), has 
requested a temporary deviation from the current operating regulation 
set out in 33 CFR 117.997(g) which requires the drawbridge to open on 
signal, except that, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., the draw need be opened 
only on the hour. If any vessel is approaching the bridge and cannot 
reach the draw exactly on the hour, the draw tender may delay the 
hourly opening up to 10 minutes past the hour for the passage of the 
approaching vessel and any other vessels that are waiting to pass. 
Vessels in an emergency condition, which presents danger to life or 
property, shall be passed at any time. TSC has requested the temporary 
deviation to close the existing S168 (Great Bridge) swing-span bridge 
to navigation to erect the new S168 (Great Bridge) lift-span bridge.
    The work involves the installation of bascule spans, formation of 
gearing and operation of electrical controls for the new S168 (Great 
Bridge) lift-span bridge. To facilitate this construction, the existing 
S168 (Great Bridge) swing-span bridge will be locked in the closed 
position to vessels on four three-day closure periods from 8 a.m. to 8 
a.m., from July 22-25 (closure 1); from August 5-8 (closure 2); from 
August 12-15 (closure 3); and from August 19-22, 2003 (closure 4). 
During this period, the work requires completely immobilizing the 
operation of the swing span in the closed position to vessels. At all 
other times, the bridge will operate in accordance with the current 
operating regulations outlined in 33 CFR 117.997(g). In the event of 
inclement weather, the alternate start dates are: July 28 (closure 1); 
August 11 (closure 2); August 14 (closure 3); and August 21, 2003 
(closure 4). Calling the project superintendent at (757) 672-4829 will 
provide for emergency opening requests.
    The Coast Guard has informed the known users of the waterway of the 
closure periods for the bridge so that these vessels can arrange their 
transits to minimize any impact caused by the temporary deviation.
    The District Commander has granted temporary deviation from the 
operating requirements listed in 33 CFR 117.35 for the purpose of 
repair completion of the drawbridge. The temporary deviation allows the 
S168 (Great Bridge) swing-span bridge across the Albemarle and 
Chesapeake Canal, AICW, mile 12.0, at Chesapeake, Virginia, to remain 
closed to navigation on four three-day closure periods: from July 22-25 
(closure 1); from August 5-8 (closure 2); August 12-15 (closure 3); and 
from August 19-22, 2003 (closure 4), from 8 a.m. to 8 a.m. In the event 
of inclement weather, the alternate start dates are: July 28 (closure 
1); August 11 (closure 2); August 14 (closure 3); and August 21, 2003 
(closure 4).

    Dated: June 12, 2003.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Section, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 03-15926 Filed 6-23-03; 8:45 am]
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