[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45535-45536]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15618]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-05-094]
RIN 1625-AA-09


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

[[Page 45536]]


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 
I-695 Bridge across Curtis Creek, mile 0.9, at Baltimore, MD. This 
deviation allows the drawbridge to remain closed to navigation on two 
5-day closure periods to facilitate repairs to the main control system 
of the bridge.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on August 8, 2005, to 5 
p.m. on August 26, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for 
inspection or copying at Commander (obr), Fifth Coast Guard District, 
Federal Building, 1st Floor, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704-
5004 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The telephone number is (757) 398-6222. Commander (obr), 
Fifth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this 
temporary deviation.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The I-695 Bridge has a vertical clearance in 
the closed-to-vessels position of 58 feet, at mean high water.
    The Whiting Turner Contracting (WTC) Company, on behalf of the 
bridge owner, the Maryland Department of Transportation, has requested 
a temporary deviation from the current operating regulation set out in 
33 CFR 117.557. WTC has requested the temporary deviation to close the 
I-695 double-leaf bascule bridge to navigation to replace all of the 
control mechanisms. The work involves replacing the bridge control 
systems (electrical & mechanical) on both spans of the drawbridge. Each 
lift span will be locked in the closed-to-navigation position for two 
5-day closure periods from 7 a.m. on August 8, 2005, to 5 p.m. on 
August 12, 2005, and from 7 a.m. on August 22, 2005, to 5 p.m. on 
August 26, 2005. During these periods, the work requires completely 
immobilizing the operation of the lift spans in the closed-to-
navigation position.
    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 
repairing the drawbridge. The temporary deviation allows the I-695 
Bridge across Curtis Creek, mile 0.9, at Baltimore, Maryland, to remain 
closed to navigation on two 5-day closure periods: From 7 a.m. on 
August 8, 2005, to 5 p.m. on August 12, 2005; and from 7 a.m. on August 
22, 2005, through 5 p.m. on August 26, 2005.
    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: August 1, 2005.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 05-15618 Filed 8-5-05; 8:45 am]
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