[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13127-13128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4932]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[USCG-2008-0115]
RIN 1625-AA09


Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Potomac River, Between Maryland 
and Virginia

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has approved an 
additional temporary deviation from the regulations governing the 
operation of the new Woodrow Wilson Memorial (I-95) Bridge, mile 103.8, 
across Potomac River between Alexandria, Virginia and Oxon Hill, 
Maryland. While construction continues, this added deviation allows the 
drawbridge to remain closed-to-navigation each day from 10 a.m. to 2 
p.m. beginning March 2, 2008 until and including May 30, 2008.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 10 a.m. on March 2, 2008, until 
2 p.m. on May 30, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Materials referred to in this document are available for 
inspection or copying at Commander (dpb), 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 (dpb), 
Fifth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this 
temporary deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Waverly W. Gregory, Jr., Bridge 
Administrator, Fifth Coast Guard District, at (757) 398-6222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 25, 2008, we published a notice 
of temporary deviation from the regulations entitled ``Drawbridge 
Operation Regulations; Potomac River, Between Maryland and Virginia'' 
in the Federal Register (73 FR 4472).
    The Maryland State Highway Administration and the Virginia 
Department of Transportation, co-owners of the drawbridge, requested an 
extension of the aforementioned temporary deviation with new dates in 
an effort to minimize the potential for major regional traffic impacts 
and consequences during bridge openings while construction continues.
    Bridge owners requested that the new drawbridge not be available 
for openings for vessels each day between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 
p.m. from Sunday, March 2, 2008 through Friday, May 30, 2008. The 
temporary deviation will only affect vessels with mast heights of 75 
feet or greater. Furthermore, all affected vessels with mast heights 
greater than 75 feet will be able to receive an opening of the new 
drawbridge in the ``off-peak'' vehicle traffic hours (evening and 
overnight) in accordance with 33 CFR 117.255(a).
    The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway through our 
Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the closure period for the 
bridge so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any 
impact caused by the temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge 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.


[[Page 13128]]


    Dated: February 25, 2008.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth Coast Guard District.
 [FR Doc. E8-4932 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P