[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 20, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 9190]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-781]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[USCG-2008-0046]


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Taunton River, Fall River and 
Somerset, MA

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 regulation governing the operation of the 
old Brightman Street bascule bridge across the Taunton River at mile 
1.8, between Fall River and Somerset, Massachusetts. Under this 
temporary deviation, in effect from 6 a.m. on February 16, 2008 through 
5 p.m. on March 2, 2008, the bridge shall open on signal after a one-
hour advance notice is given by calling (508) 672-5111, or VHF channel 
13 and 16. This deviation is necessary to facilitate scheduled bridge 
maintenance.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on February 16, 2008 
through 5 p.m. on March 2, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for 
inspection or copying at the First Coast Guard District, Bridge Branch 
Office, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, between 7 
a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
telephone number is (617) 223-8364. The First Coast Guard District 
Bridge Branch Office maintains the public docket for this temporary 
deviation.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The old Brightman Street bascule bridge, 
across the Taunton River at mile 1.8, between Fall River and Somerset, 
Massachusetts, has a vertical clearance in the closed position of 27 
feet at mean high water and 31 feet at mean low water. The existing 
drawbridge operation regulations are listed at 33 CFR 1117.619.
    The owner of the bridge, Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD), 
requested a temporary deviation to facilitate scheduled bridge 
maintenance and structural repairs to the sidewalks at the old 
Brightman Street bascule bridge.
    Under this temporary deviation, in effect from 6 a.m. on February 
16, 2008 through 5 p.m. on March 2, 2008, the old Brightman Street 
bascule bridge shall open on signal after at least a one-hour advance 
notice is given by calling (508) 672-5111 or VHF channel 13 and 16.
    This work was scheduled during the time of year when the bridge 
seldom opens. The recreational boat marinas were contacted and have no 
objection to the one-hour advance notice.
    An 18' x 43' construction work barge may be located in the channel 
during the prosecution of this bridge maintenance. The work barge will 
move upon request by calling the bridge tender either on the land line 
(508) 672-5111 or on VHF channel 13 and 16.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the bridge must return to its 
regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
    Should the bridge maintenance authorized by this temporary 
deviation be completed before the end of the effective period published 
in this notice, the Coast Guard will rescind the remainder of this 
temporary deviation, and the bridge shall be returned to its normal 
operating schedule. Notice of the above action shall be provided to the 
public in the Local Notice to Mariners and the Federal Register, where 
practicable.

    Dated: February 12, 2008.
Gary Kassof,
Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 08-781 Filed 2-15-08; 11:47 am]
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