[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 179 (Friday, September 16, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54637-54638]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18481]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD05-05-112]
RIN 1625-AA-09


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; James River, 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 
James River Bridge, mile 5.0, across the James River between Isle of 
Wight and Newport News, Virginia. This deviation allows the drawbridge 
to remain closed-to-navigation on two 3-day closure periods from 7 a.m. 
on October 14 through 5 p.m. October 17, 2005, and from 7 a.m. on 
November 18 through 5 p.m. November 21, 2005, to facilitate mechanical 
repairs.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 7 a.m. on October 14, 2005, 
until 5 p.m. on November 21, 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 H. Brazier, Bridge Management 
Specialist, Fifth Coast Guard District, at (757) 398-6422.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The James River Bridge, a vertical-lift 
drawbridge, has a vertical clearance in the closed position to vessels 
of 60 feet and 145 feet in the full open position, at mean high water.
    Electrical Motor Services Industrial, Inc. (EMS), is the contractor 
engaged to perform these repairs for the Virginia Department of 
Transportation (VDOT), the bridge owner. EMS, on behalf of VDOT, 
requested a temporary deviation from the operating regulations for the 
James River Bridge, set out in 33 CFR 117.5, that requires the bridge 
to open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request to 
open is given.
    EMS requested the temporary deviation to close the James River

[[Page 54638]]

Bridge to navigation to replace and install the existing motor and 
coupling. The vertical lift span will be locked in the closed-to-
navigation position for two 3-day closure periods: From 7 a.m. on 
October 14, 2005, through 5 p.m. on October 17, 2005, and from 7 a.m. 
on November 18, 2005, through 5 p.m. on November 21, 2005. During these 
periods, the work requires completely immobilizing the operation of the 
vertical lift span 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 James 
River Bridge, at mile 5.0, between Isle of Wight and Newport News, 
Virginia, to remain closed to navigation on two 3-day closure periods: 
From 7 a.m. on October 14, 2005, through 5 p.m. on October 17, 2005, 
and from 7 a.m. on November 18, 2005, through 5 p.m. on November 21, 
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 operations 
as soon as possible. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: September 9, 2005.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 05-18481 Filed 9-15-05; 8:45 am]
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