[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 65 (Monday, April 5, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 17597]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7622]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD01-04-022]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Piscataqua River, ME

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

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 for the 
Memorial (US1) Bridge, mile 3.5, across the Piscataqua River between 
Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine. Under this temporary 
deviation, bridge openings for recreational vessels and commercial 
vessels less than 100 gross tons, will be scheduled at specific times 
from April 5, 2004 through May 21, 2004. This temporary deviation is 
necessary to facilitate structural repairs at the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from April 5, 2004 through May 21, 
2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John McDonald, Project Officer, First 
Coast Guard District, at (617) 223-8364.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Memorial (US1) Bridge has a vertical 
clearance in the closed position of 19 feet at mean high water and 27 
feet at mean low water. The existing drawbridge operation regulations 
are listed at 33 CFR Sec.  117.531(b).
    The bridge owner, New Hampshire Department of transportation 
(NHDOT), requested a temporary deviation from the drawbridge operation 
regulations to facilitate necessary structural maintenance at the 
bridge.
    The bridge must remain in the closed position to allow the 
construction equipment and personnel to repair the moveable lift span 
and lift towers. The bridge will open for recreational vessels and 
commercial vessels less than 100 gross tons from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m., 
respectively. From 5 p.m. through 6 a.m. and on weekends, the draw 
shall open on signal.
    Bridge openings will continue to be provided as soon as possible at 
all times for commercial vessels greater than 100 gross tons, inbound 
fishing vessels, and inbound ferry service vessels.
    The bridge owner did not provide the required thirty-day notice to 
the Coast Guard for this deviation; however, this deviation was 
approved because the repairs are vital necessary repairs that must be 
performed with undue delay in order to assure the continued safe 
reliable operation of the bridge.
    Under this temporary deviation the Memorial (US1) Bridge shall open 
on signal; except that, from April 5, 2004 through May 21, 2004, Monday 
through Friday, the draw shall open for recreational vessels and 
commercial vessels less than 100 gross tons at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 
3 p.m., and 5 p.m., respectively. Commercial vessels greater than 100 
gross tons, inbound fishing vessels, and inbound ferry service vessels 
shall be passed as soon as possible at all times.
    This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 
33 CFR 117.35(b), and will be performed with all due speed in order to 
return the bridge to normal operation as soon as possible.

    Dated: March 25, 2004.
John L. Grenier,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 04-7622 Filed 4-2-04; 8:45 am]
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